Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, known to history simply as ‘Rumi’, was a Persian poet and Sufi master born in the year 1207. His poetry was largely rooted in themes of love, spirituality, and the human connection to the divine, and it has transcended both time and culture, making him one of the most beloved poets in history. Remarkably, Rumi remains a best-selling poet in the United States—a country that was founded a full 503 years after his demise—and his works have been translated into dozens of languages. He was a transformative, influential, and inspirational figure whose work still reverberates to this day, and as I’m sure many of you have already guessed from my description, he is also one of my favorite poets.
For those unfamiliar with the words of Rumi, some of the many reasons why they remain so popular even after more than three quarters of a millennium, is their universal themes and emotional depth. Unlike other poets from bygone eras, many of his thoughts are timeless, applicable to present-day situations every bit as much as they were to the struggles and aspirations of people during his own time.
Today, I wanted to share three of my favourite quotes from Rumi, as well as what I think they mean, and how, even after all this time, they are still relevant in today’s world.
“Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.”
This quote reminds us of the power of thoughtful, kind communication over aggression and noise. Lamentably, many aspects of human society are often dominated by heated debates and loud rhetoric, but Rumi’s words advocate for calm wisdom and meaningful dialogue. He suggests that positive growth comes from gentle, consistent efforts, much like rain nurtures life quietly yet profoundly. In today’s society, this is a call to lead with empathy, respect, and the understanding that true influence comes from the content of our words, not their volume. Imagine, for a moment, if this philosophy were applied in the current political climate! It might result in a return to civilized discourse.
“Be like a tree and let the dead leaves drop.”
Here, Rumi offers a metaphor for renewal and letting go. Just as a tree sheds its leaves to prepare for the growth of new foliage, we too, as human beings, must release our burdens, past grievances, and things that no longer serve us well. The message is particularly resonant in modern life, where we often cling to stress, toxic relationships, or outdated ideas. By letting go of what weighs us down, we create space for personal transformation and fresh opportunities to bloom in a figurative sense.
“You were born with wings, why would you prefer to crawl through life?”
This line is a powerful reminder of human potential and the importance of living boldly. In words originally written in the 1200s, Rumi challenges us to recognize the gifts and abilities we are all born with and to rise above fear and complacency. In the here and now of the 21st century, where self-doubt and societal pressures often keep people from pursuing their deepest and most closely held dreams, this quote serves as an inspiration to embrace courage, ambition, and the freedom to soar. Life is too precious to be lived with the unconscious limitations we tend to impose upon ourselves.
As you can see for yourself, Rumi’s poetry reminds us to embrace love, wisdom, and the boundless potential within ourselves to create a better world. I highly recommend sitting down with a volume of his writing, reading it with an open mind, and then reflecting on what it means to you personally. It’s no exaggeration to say that I love his work, and I have a feeling you will, too.
And as Rumi once wrote, “Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.”