Heaven but the vision of fulfilled desire, and Hell the shadow from a soul on fire.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that heaven is the realization of our deepest desires, while hell is the torment caused by unfulfilled desires.
Omar Khayyam's quote reflects the idea that our perception of bliss and suffering is deeply intertwined with our desires and aspirations. Heaven is portrayed as a state where desires are fully realized, embodying joy and contentment, whereas hell represents the pain and anguish that come when one's soul is consumed by longing and unfulfilled passions. The imagery of a 'soul on fire' evokes the intense emotional struggle of yearning, emphasizing that true happiness lies in the fulfillment of one's desires.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of pursuing one's dreams, one might quote this to illustrate the joy of fulfillment versus the pain of longing.
When you are so full of sorrow_x000D_ that you can't walk, can't cry anymore,_x000D_ think about the green foliage that sparkles after_x000D_ the rain. When the daylight exhausts you, when_x000D_ you hope a final night will cover the world,_x000D_ think about the awakening of a young child.
Oh! My beloved! fill the cup, that clears to-day of past regrets and future fears.
Itβs too bad if a heart lacks fire,_x000D_ and is deprived of the light _x000D_ of a heart ablaze._x000D_ The day on which you are_x000D_ without passionate love_x000D_ is the most wasted day of your life.
So when that Angel of the darker Drink, at last shall find you by the river-brink,_x000D_ _x000D_ And, offering his Cup, invite your Soul forth to your Lips to quaff-you shall not shrink.
A loaf of bread, a jug of wine, and thou.
So I be written in the Book of Love. I do not care about that Book Above. Erase my name, or write it as you will. So I be written in the Book of Love.
In the fifth season [of Star Trek: The Next Generation] viewers will see more of shipboard life [including] gay crew members in day-to-day circumstances.
There is a basin in the mind where words float around on thought and thought on sound and sight. Then there is a depth of thought untouched by words, and deeper still a gulf of formless feelings untouched by thought.
My thoughts are whirled like a potter's wheel; I know not where I am nor what I do.
The soul is made for action, and cannot rest till it be employed. Idleness is its rust. Unless it will up and think and taste and see, all is in vain.
Never take over the world to tamper with it. Those who want to tamper with it are not fit to take over the world.
It is good to know what a man is, and also what the world takes him for. But you do not understand him until you have learnt how he understands himself.
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