Is 'And This Too Shall Pass' Poem In The Public Domain?

2026-04-10 00:56:07
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3 Answers

Reese
Reese
Favorite read: The Tale Not Old As Time
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I’ve always loved how this phrase resonates across different mediums. The earliest known version ties back to a Persian fable about a king seeking wisdom, and it’s been adapted countless times—sometimes as poetry, sometimes as prose. Because the original sources are ancient, the core idea is absolutely public domain. But here’s the catch: specific poetic renditions, like the one by FitzGerald or later poets, might have their own copyright nuances.

For example, if someone wrote a fresh adaptation in 2020, that version would still be protected. But if you’re riffing off the age-old concept itself? Go wild. It’s a reminder that even the most enduring ideas get new life through creative reinterpretation.
2026-04-13 01:06:00
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Henry
Henry
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The poem 'and this too shall pass' has a fascinating history that makes its copyright status a bit murky. While the phrase itself is often attributed to Persian folklore and has roots in ancient Sufi poetry, the most famous English adaptation was written by 19th-century poet Edward FitzGerald. Since FitzGerald died in 1883, his works entered the public domain long ago under standard copyright terms. However, modern adaptations or translations might still be under copyright depending on when they were created.

That said, the core sentiment—'this too shall pass'—feels almost timeless, popping up everywhere from Abraham Lincoln’s speeches to modern self-help books. If you’re looking for a version to quote or adapt, sticking to older translations or the original folklore is your safest bet. It’s wild how a phrase so simple has woven itself into so many cultures!
2026-04-14 01:32:54
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Steven
Steven
Favorite read: Let The Years Be
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Short and sweet: The phrase 'this too shall pass' is ancient, so yeah, it’s public domain. Any modern twists on it might not be, but the original sentiment? Free for all. It’s one of those rare gems that feels both universal and deeply personal—no wonder it keeps getting recycled in memes, songs, and even tattoos.
2026-04-14 09:56:00
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Who wrote the poem 'and this too shall pass'?

3 Answers2026-04-10 21:30:14
The poem 'and this too shall pass' is often attributed to Persian Sufi poets, but its exact origins are shrouded in mystery. I first stumbled upon it in a collection of Middle Eastern folklore, where it was presented as a parable about impermanence. The story goes that a king demanded a phrase that would comfort him in sorrow and humble him in joy, and his wise advisor crafted this timeless line. It’s fascinating how something so simple has woven itself into so many cultures, from Abraham Lincoln’s speeches to modern self-help books. The ambiguity of its authorship almost adds to its power—like it belongs to everyone. I love how this phrase pops up in unexpected places, like in the chorus of a folk song or etched into a friend’s journal. It’s one of those rare pieces of wisdom that feels both ancient and freshly relevant. Whenever I’m having a rough day, I whisper it to myself like a mantra. Funny how four words can feel like a lifeline.

What is the meaning of 'and this too shall pass' poem?

3 Answers2026-04-10 16:32:22
The first time I stumbled upon the phrase 'and this too shall pass,' it felt like a gentle whisper from the universe. It’s often attributed to Persian poets, but its roots are tangled in folklore and wisdom literature. To me, it’s a reminder that nothing—joy or sorrow—is permanent. Life’s highs? Fleeting. The crushing lows? Equally temporary. It’s not about dismissing pain or downplaying happiness, but about grounding yourself in the ebb and flow of existence. I once read a modern interpretation in a self-help book that framed it as a call to mindfulness: savor the present, because it’s already slipping away. What fascinates me is how this phrase morphs depending on context. In 'The Lord of the Rings,' Gandalf’s 'all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us' echoes a similar sentiment. Even in anime like 'Mushishi,' where ephemeral beauty and suffering coexist, the idea resurfaces. It’s a universal truth dressed in countless cultural robes. Lately, I’ve been scribbling it in my journal when things feel overwhelming—like a mantra to soften life’s sharp edges.

Where can I read 'and this too shall pass' poem online?

3 Answers2026-04-10 06:28:33
I stumbled upon 'And This Too Shall Pass' years ago during a deep dive into Persian poetry, and it’s stuck with me ever since. The poem’s origins are often tied to medieval Sufi traditions, though versions of the sentiment appear everywhere from Jewish folklore to Lincoln’s speeches. For digital copies, Poetry Foundation’s website usually has a clean version, or you might find it in archived Project Gutenberg collections of Persian literature. What fascinates me is how this phrase evolved—some translations lean into mystical imagery, while others keep it stark. If you’re after audio renditions, Librivox volunteers sometimes record public domain translations. The beauty of it lies in its adaptability; I’ve seen it reworked into modern spoken word pieces on YouTube, too.

How does 'and this too shall pass' poem inspire people?

3 Answers2026-04-10 19:18:35
The first time I stumbled upon the phrase 'and this too shall pass,' it hit me like a wave of calm in a storm. It’s one of those lines that feels ancient, almost timeless, like it’s been whispered through generations for a reason. The poem (or proverb, depending on who you ask) carries this weighty simplicity—acknowledging that nothing, good or bad, lasts forever. For me, it’s a reminder to stay grounded during highs and hopeful during lows. I’ve seen friends tattoo it on their wrists, scribble it in journals during breakups, or even mutter it under their breath before job interviews. There’s something almost rebellious about how it undercuts life’s dramas, reducing them to fleeting moments. What’s fascinating is how it adapts to different cultures. Some trace it to Persian Sufi poetry, others to Jewish folklore, and even Abraham Lincoln famously referenced it. That universality makes it feel like shared human wisdom. When I’m stuck in traffic or nursing a heartache, repeating those five words shifts my perspective. It doesn’t solve problems, but it reframes them—like a mental exhale. The poem’s power isn’t in grand metaphors but in its quiet insistence: impermanence isn’t scary; it’s liberating. Now I keep a crumpled note with the phrase in my wallet, my little cheat code for resilience.

What are the origins of the 'and this too shall pass' poem?

3 Answers2026-04-10 07:44:30
The phrase 'and this too shall pass' feels like it's been around forever, doesn't it? I first stumbled upon it in a dusty old book of Persian poetry, where it was attributed to a fable about a king who demanded a ring that could make him happy when sad and humble when overjoyed. A wise advisor inscribed the phrase inside it, and boom—eternal wisdom. But digging deeper, I found ties to Jewish folklore, medieval Sufi poets like Attar, and even Lincoln’s speeches. It’s wild how something so simple echoes across cultures, from ancient Persia to modern self-help books. Every time I hear it, I imagine some scribe nodding sagely, knowing we’d still need this reminder centuries later. What fascinates me is how it morphs to fit any era. In one version, it’s a king’s lesson in impermanence; in another, a farmer’s comfort during a storm. The phrase’s adaptability is its magic—it’s not tied to one religion or philosophy but belongs to everyone. I even found a weirdly specific meme version with a crying cat last week. Timelessness, huh?

Who originally said the phrase 'this shall too pass'?

4 Answers2026-04-14 00:42:01
The phrase 'this too shall pass' has always fascinated me because of its timeless wisdom. I first stumbled upon it in a collection of Persian poetry, where it felt like a gentle reminder of life's impermanence. The saying is often attributed to medieval Persian poets, particularly in Sufi traditions, where it encapsulates the fleeting nature of both joy and sorrow. Some say it was popularized by the 13th-century poet Attar of Nishapur in his works, though its origins might be even older, woven into oral storytelling. It’s one of those gems that feels universal—like it could’ve been whispered by a wise grandmother or etched into an ancient temple wall. Every time I hear it, I’m struck by how something so simple can feel so profound. Interestingly, the phrase also appears in Jewish folklore, linked to King Solomon. The story goes that he challenged his advisors to find a ring that could make a happy man sad and a sad man happy. They returned with a ring inscribed with this phrase. It’s wild how one line can bridge cultures and centuries, popping up everywhere from self-help books to indie song lyrics. Makes you wonder how many hands it’s passed through to reach us today.

Is 'this shall too pass' mentioned in any famous books?

4 Answers2026-04-14 23:25:21
The phrase 'this too shall pass' has popped up in so many places, it’s like a cultural whisper that never fades. I first stumbled upon it in 'The Hobbit'—though not verbatim, Tolkien’s themes of impermanence echo the sentiment. Then there’s 'The Fault in Our Stars', where John Green subtly weaves it into Hazel’s reflections on life’s fleeting nature. It’s wild how a four-word mantra can shape entire narratives. I also love how classics like 'Anna Karenina' dance around the idea without saying it outright. Levin’s existential musings? Pure 'this too shall pass' energy. Modern self-help books, especially Ryan Holiday’s 'The Obstacle Is the Way', slap it front and center as a Stoic reminder. Feels like every genre has its own spin on this timeless comfort.

Is 'this shall pass' a quote from a famous book?

3 Answers2026-04-14 13:07:49
The phrase 'this too shall pass' feels like it’s been woven into the fabric of storytelling forever, doesn’t it? I first stumbled across it in a collection of Persian folktales, where it was attributed to a wise king who had it inscribed on a ring to remind himself of life’s impermanence. It’s one of those lines that pops up everywhere—from self-help books to fantasy novels—because it’s so universal. I even spotted it in 'The Lord of the Rings,' though Tolkien tweaked it to fit Middle-earth’s vibe. What’s fascinating is how it morphs depending on where it appears. In darker stories, it’s a grim acknowledgment of fleeting joy; in uplifting ones, it’s a promise that hardship won’t last. The adaptability makes it feel less like a single quote and more like a shared human reflex. That said, it’s not tied to one famous book exclusively. It’s more of a cultural ghost—haunting sermons, poems, and even pop songs (remember OK Go’s music video with the Rube Goldberg machine?). The lack of a definitive origin adds to its charm. Every time I hear it, I imagine centuries of people whispering it to themselves during personal storms. It’s comforting in a bittersweet way, like finding the same graffiti on different walls across time.
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