The Luzumiyat · Chapter
XCVIII explained
The speaker reflects on finding scattered wisdom within the palaces of wealth, beneath the throne of Power and among those crowned with folly.
What happens
The speaker reflects on finding scattered wisdom within the palaces of wealth, beneath the throne of Power and among those crowned with folly.
Themes in this chapter
Critique of Power and Hypocrisy
The chapter critiques the accumulation of wealth and power, contrasting it with the scattered wisdom found beneath the throne.
Illusion and Reality
The 'flowers of folly' crown the slaves, suggesting a deceptive or illusory nature of the opulence and power.
Key passages
“And in the palaces of wealth I found Some beads of wisdom scattered on the ground, Around the throne of Power, beneath the feet Of fair-faced slaves with flowers of folly crowned.”
In the opulent homes of the rich, I discovered small pieces of wisdom lying disregarded, near the seat of authority, under the feet of beautiful slaves who are adorned with the symbols of foolishness.
The speaker observes that wisdom is neglected in places of wealth and power, while those in servitude are decorated with folly.