denysfisher.com

“When you have planted
the rose of Love into your heart
your life has not been in vain.“

I have chosen this wonderful piece of wisdom from the Persian scientist, poet, and philosopher, Omar Khayyam to open my book about Dad.

For me, it perfectly captures the great arc of my Father’s life in one beautiful phrase.

It also resonates because Dad loved the Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám – the celebrated translation of this great Sufi thinker’s most cherished verses. It was of my Father’s very favourite pieces of literature, and I recommend it to you, too, if you are not already familiar with it.

I have some knowledge of Omar Khayyam’s life, and it is a wondrous tale. What a luminous and perceptive mind he had with his expertise in mathematics and astronomy – but also his great gift for poetry – a true polymath!

Khayyam shines out as a very endearing character, and although undoubtedly a genius, comes across as a very down to earth man with a highly developed humanity about him.

In fact, when I read about Omar Khayyam’s life, the parallels with Dad’s story are uncanny…..and my pet theory is that Dad may have been Omar Khayyam in a past life! Hahaha – well, you never know! Certainly, they had a very deep affinity in their approach to life.

So, this is the quote you will find at the start of my book, and I hope it will set the scene as we delve into the life of another brilliant thinker, and very human being – my Dad!