May 18, 1048
Born Omar KhayyamA man whose work is considered a national treasure in Iran, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. He made contributions to algebra—specifically, to the field of cubic equations and their solutions using conic sections. In astronomy, creating one of the most accurate in the world calendars. And, of course, into poetry - leaving a cycle for posterity philosophical rubaiThat is, cleverly rhymed quatrains—observations on the relationships between man and man, the world, and God—are apt, ironic, and wise. We've selected a few:
*** The lower a person's soul, the higher their nose rises. Their nose reaches for where their soul hasn't yet reached.
*** Don't envy those who are strong and rich, for dawn always follows dusk. Treat this short life, equal to a breath, as if it were given to you on loan.
*** You rose from rags to riches, but quickly becoming a prince, Don't forget, so as not to jinx it, Princes are not eternal - filth is eternal
*** If you expect gratitude for kindness, you are not giving kindness, you are selling it.
*** To live life wisely, you need to know a lot, Remember two important rules for a start: It is better to starve than to eat whatever comes your way, And it is better to be alone than with just anyone.
*** It is better to fall into poverty, to starve or steal, Than to become one of the despicable sycophants, It is better to gnaw bones than to be seduced by passions, At the table of scoundrels in power
*** It's better to give happiness to someone close to you than to suffer in vain for the common good. It's better to bind a friend to yourself with kindness than to free humanity from its bonds.