The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám · Chapter
LVI explained
The speaker dismisses philosophical and logical pursuits of existence and non-existence, declaring that the only depth he has ever truly explored is that of wine.
What happens
The speaker dismisses philosophical and logical pursuits of existence and non-existence, declaring that the only depth he has ever truly explored is that of wine.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Themes in this chapter
- Hedonism and Wine
Wine is presented as the sole deep subject worth exploring, contrasting with abstract logic and philosophy.
- Skepticism and Doubt
The speaker questions the value of defining 'Is' and 'Is-not' through logic, implying a skeptical view of metaphysical certainty.
Characters to notice
- Omar Khayyám
The speaker reflects on his own intellectual limitations and his devotion to wine.
Key passages
“For “ Is ” and “ Is-not ” though with Rule and Line And “ Up-and-down ” by Logic I define, Of all that one should care to fathom, I Was never deep in anything but—Wine.”
Although I can define existence and non-existence with rules and logic, and reason about the cosmos, the only thing I have ever truly delved into is wine.
The speaker contrasts intellectual pursuits with the tangible, experiential pleasure of wine.
