“I have never had any respect for authors, and I have always thought that a man should write because he must, not because he wishes to be known.”

Distinguishing artistic necessity from the pursuit of literary fame · Letter, as commonly attributed

• Art
• Fame

“I suppose I shall be known by the Rubáiyát, and I don't care how.”

Showing his relaxed attitude towards literary reputation · Letter, as commonly attributed

• Fame
• Poetry

“These Rubáiyát are not a translation, but an imitation.”

Acknowledging the creative freedom of his celebrated version · Preface to the Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám

• Art
• Poetry

“I have not the courage to be a Christian, and I have not the courage to be an infidel.”

Capturing his unease with fixed religious certainty · Letter, as commonly quoted

• Faith
• Truth

“I am a Pagan, and shall remain a Pagan.”

A candid expression of his religious independence and scepticism · Letter

• Faith
• Truth