Critic, relent! Your hope for repentance Will meet with disapppointment. For this is the life, Not desert tents, Not camel's milk!
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The poet tells a critic to stop expecting him to change his ways because he lives for immediate pleasure, not asceticism. He rejects the idea of repentance for enjoying life.
- In plain terms
- Stop hoping I will change; I choose to live for fun and pleasure instead of strict rules.
- What can you take from it?
- Embrace your nature and do not feel pressured to conform to others' expectations of change.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is it right to reject societal norms?
- Is repentance ever necessary?
Another view
Living only for pleasure can lead to negative long-term consequences.
More from Abu Nuwas
You, mad to expect repentance, Tear your robe all you want; I will never repent!
Permalink to quote #2 I bought abandon dear And sold all piety for pleasure. My own free spirit I have followed, And never will I give up lust.
Permalink to quote #3
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