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About this quote

What does it mean?
The poet states he traded religious piety for pleasure and freedom. He explicitly claims he will not give up his lustful lifestyle.
In plain terms
I chose freedom and pleasure over religious rules and I will not go back.
What can you take from it?
Know what you value and own your choices even if they go against norms.

Where it applies

  • making life choices
  • rejecting religious constraints
  • personal freedom

Putting it to work

  • define your own values
  • accept the cost of your priorities

Questions to consider

  • What have you traded for freedom?
  • Is piety worth sacrificing pleasure for?

Another view

Prioritizing pleasure over all else can lead to a lack of deeper fulfillment.

More from Abu Nuwas

  1. You, mad to expect repentance, Tear your robe all you want; I will never repent!

    Permalink to quote #2
  2. Critic, relent! Your hope for repentance Will meet with disapppointment. For this is the life, Not desert tents, Not camel's milk!

    Permalink to quote #1

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