Poetry Quote by Arundhati Roy
““An Urdu couplet by one of his favorite poets, Mir Taqi Mir: Jis sar ko ghurur aaj hai yaan taj-vari ka Kal uss pe yahin shor hai phir nauhagari ka The head which today proudly flaunts a crown Will tomorrow, right here, in lamentation drown.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: Urdu couplet quoted in The God of Small Things, Arundhati Roy, 1997
The verse warns that pride today may become tomorrow’s sorrow, as arrogance invites downfall.
In simple terms: Pride today can become sorrow tomorrow.
Key Takeaway
Beware hubris, stay humble.
Themes
pride
humility
impermanence
consequence
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
poetic
cautionary
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- political power
- career advancement
- public speaking
Key Concepts
hubris
karma
transience
Questions to Reflect On
- How does pride affect your decisions?
- What can humility prevent?
A Different Perspective
Pride may be justified in the short term, ignoring long‑term risks.
