# XLVI explained — The Luzumiyat

> Chapter companion for The Luzumiyat by Abu al-ʻAlaʼ al-Maʻarri.

## What happens

The chapter questions the futility of excessive effort and worry over transient dreams, suggesting that constant polishing of one's sword will eventually wear it away.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mortality and Transience

The chapter emphasizes the futility of laboring over vain dreams, highlighting the transient nature of human efforts.

### Illusion and Reality

The 'vain dreams' point to the illusory pursuits that distract from the reality of life's impermanence.

## Key lines

> And why so much ado, and wherefore lay The burden of the years upon the day Of thy vain dreams? Who polishes his sword Morning and eve will polish it away.

Why make such a fuss and weigh down each day with the heavy concerns of your empty fantasies? A person who sharpens their sword every morning and evening will eventually wear it down to nothing.

_The metaphor of polishing a sword illustrates how constant attention to trivial or illusory matters leads to their eventual destruction._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_luzumiyat_se/chapters/xlvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_luzumiyat_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_luzumiyat_se/chapters