Hidden Echoes: the signs of antinatalism in some of Khayyam's poems from a sociological and philosophical perspective

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Academic Member of Urban-Rural Sociology Research Group, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

2 PhD Candidate in Economic Sociology and Development, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Objective: Antinatalism is a school of thought that considers the birth of a child immoral because in this school, the world is depicted as full of suffering that not only never ends, but is also considered devoid of any benefit for the advancement of the individual and society. The aim of this research is to show signs of antinatalist thinking in the poems of Khayyam - one of the well-known Iranian poets and philosophers.
Methods: In this study, qualitative content analysis method was used and using purposive sampling method, first the quatrains in contradiction with the philosophy of birth and human existence and then in the next stages, the poems that had the most conceptual agreement with anti-natalism were selected as the final sample. The unit of analysis was considered to be the verse. Finally, the validity of the research was confirmed through data triangulation and researcher self-review.
Results: The findings of the research are presented under the titles of: "The Obesity of Structure and the Evaporation of Agency”, "Pleasure in the Shadow of Suffering", "The Ladder of Suffering", "The Dysfunction of Birth", and "Justice in the Crossroads".
Conclusions: The findings show that in Khayyam's poem, man, who has no advantage for the world, has unwillingly and without choosing, entered the game of life in which justice is absent, and in this structural life, he is constantly in an anomic state of suffering that he cannot fight effectively. However, as a solution, it is better to seek pleasure in the midst of this suffering, smile, and realize the importance of the moment as long as he has life in his body.

Graphical Abstract

Hidden Echoes: the signs of antinatalism in some of Khayyam's poems from a sociological and philosophical perspective

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References

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Journal of Philosophical Investigations
Volume 20, Issue 55 - Serial Number 55
Articles
Issue 55, Summer 2026
July 2026
Pages 637-666

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