Eighteen years ago, life as a financial trainer was much different. The trips were longer, at fancier hotels, and better paid. And as a single man, I had time to read.

Thinking back to my more luxurious travels to the Arabian Peninsula, I remember reading a book about one of my heroes.

I can’t remember enough of the book to do a proper book review. But I retained enough knowledge about the book’s subject and want to tell you all about him.

His name is Omar Khayyam.

It’s a name that usually conjures images of Persian gardens, existential musings under starlit skies, and elaborate mathematical treatises. Khayyam remains one of the most intriguing figures in the annals of history.

Born on May 18, 1048, in Nishapur, in present-day Iran, Khayyam was not only a distinguished poet but also a mathematician, philosopher, and astronomer whose works have left an indelible mark on the world. 

I’ll try to weave together the threads of his poetic and mathematical achievements, drawing upon insights and remarks from one of my favorite books, Hazhir Teimourian's seminal work, Omar Khayyam: Poet, Rebel, Astronomer.

The Mathematician and Scientist

Khayyam's mathematical genius was evident early in his career. He made significant contributions to the understanding of the parallel postulate in Euclidean geometry, laying the groundwork for non-Euclidean geometry.

Moreover, his work in algebra, particularly in classifying and solving cubic equations, demonstrated his profound analytical skills. His treatise on algebra was among the most essential works in the field until the Renaissance, showcasing methods for solving cubic equations by intersecting conics.

However, perhaps in his astronomical endeavors, Khayyam's blend of mathematical prowess and philosophical insight shines brightest. Appointed as the head of a commission to reform the calendar, Khayyam calculated the length of the year as 365.24219858156 days, a measurement remarkably close to the modern value.

This reform gave rise to the Jalali calendar, which proved more accurate than the Gregorian calendar introduced almost five centuries later (and we still use today). This accomplishment underscores Khayyam's mathematical brilliance and his dedication to applying this knowledge in practice.

The Writer

Turning to Khayyam's literary contributions, his Rubaiyat (quatrains) occupy a special place in world literature. Through Edward FitzGerald's 19th-century English translations, Khayyam's poetry gained widespread acclaim, captivating audiences with its blend of melancholy, existential reflection, and sublime resignation to fate. The Rubaiyat contemplates the mysteries of existence, the fleeting nature of life, and the pursuit of happiness within the constraints of an unpredictable world. Khayyam muses on the human condition, urging readers to cherish the present moment amidst the impermanence of life:

A Book of Verses underneath the Bough,
A Jug of Wine, a Loaf of Bread—and Thou
Beside me singing in the Wilderness—
Oh, Wilderness were Paradise enow!

These lines encapsulate the essence of Khayyam's philosophical outlook—a celebration of life's simple pleasures, an acknowledgment of life's transient beauty, and a contemplation of the universe's vast, unknowable mysteries.

The Book

Teimourian's Omar Khayyam: Poet, Rebel, Astronomer provides a nuanced exploration of Khayyam's life and works, highlighting his rebellious spirit against the dogmas of his time. Khayyam's skepticism of religious orthodoxy and his questioning of life's meaning reflect a profound intellectual independence. Teimourian portrays Khayyam as a polymath, a human grappling with the fundamental questions of existence, driven by an insatiable quest for knowledge and understanding.

Moreover, Teimourian delves into Khayyam's impact on both Eastern and Western cultures, illustrating how his work transcends geographical and temporal boundaries. The Rubaiyat's themes of existential inquiry, celebration of the present, and contemplation of nature's beauty resonate universally, contributing to Khayyam's enduring legacy as a poet. Meanwhile, his mathematical and astronomical achievements highlight his role as a pioneer, whose ideas paved the way for future generations of scientists and thinkers.

Examining Khayyam's life and work reveals that his contributions cannot be confined to a single domain. His poetry, suffused with philosophical depth, complements his scientific rigor, offering a holistic view of a man who sought to understand the world in all its complexity. Khayyam's ability to navigate between the worlds of art and science with equal prowess is a testament to his extraordinary intellect and spirit.

Teimourian's book illuminates Khayyam as a figure who, in many ways, was ahead of his time. Challenging societal norms, questioning existential truths, and advancing scientific knowledge, Khayyam embodied the quintessential Renaissance man long before the Renaissance. His work invites readers and scholars to reconsider the boundaries between science, philosophy, and poetry, suggesting that proper understanding arises from integrating diverse realms of knowledge.

Wrap Up

Omar Khayyam's legacy is one of extraordinary breadth and depth, encompassing groundbreaking contributions to mathematics and astronomy, as well as a poetic oeuvre that continues to inspire and intrigue.

Through Hazhir Teimourian's insightful analysis in Omar Khayyam: Poet, Rebel, Astronomer, readers gain a more comprehensive understanding of Khayyam's life as a testament to the power of human intellect and creativity.

As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, Khayyam's work remains a beacon of enlightenment, urging us to seek knowledge, cherish the moment, and ponder the mysteries of existence with open minds and hearts.