Meaning: This quote is from the translation of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam by Edward Fitzgerald. The Rubaiyat is a collection of quatrains attributed to the Persian mathematician, astronomer, and poet Omar Khayyam. This particular quote reflects the theme of fate and the inevitability of time's passage.

In the quote, "The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ, Moves on..." the "Moving Finger" is a metaphor for time or fate, suggesting that events are predestined and cannot be altered. This concept is further reinforced by the lines, "nor all your Piety nor Wit / Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line, / Nor all your Tears wash out a Word of it." Here, the idea is that no amount of piety, wisdom, or remorse can change the course of events that have already been set in motion.

The quote speaks to the timeless theme of the transient nature of life and the futility of trying to reverse or erase the past. It conveys a sense of resignation and acceptance of the inevitability of fate. The imagery of writing and the indelible nature of the ink used to convey the idea that once something is done, it cannot be undone.

Edward Fitzgerald's translation of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam was first published in 1859 and has since become one of the most widely known and frequently quoted works of Persian literature in the English-speaking world. Fitzgerald's translation, while not a literal interpretation of the original Persian text, captured the essence and spirit of Omar Khayyam's poetry and made it accessible to a Western audience.

The Rubaiyat as a whole explores themes of mortality, the passage of time, the search for meaning in life, and the transient nature of human existence. It is a reflection on the human condition, often expressing a sense of melancholy and resignation in the face of life's uncertainties.

The quote "The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ, Moves on..." has been interpreted and referenced in various literary works, as well as in popular culture. Its enduring appeal lies in its universal themes and the timeless wisdom it imparts. The idea that time inexorably moves forward and that the past cannot be altered resonates with people across different cultures and time periods.

In conclusion, this quote from Edward Fitzgerald's translation of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam encapsulates the idea that time and fate are immutable forces, and once events have occurred, they cannot be undone. It reflects the universal themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the acceptance of life's uncertainties. Fitzgerald's translation has ensured that the wisdom and insight of Omar Khayyam's poetry continue to be appreciated and pondered upon by audiences around the world.