Usama ibn Munqidh

Usama ibn Munqidh (July 4, 1095 – November 17, 1188) was a medieval Muslim poet, author, faris (knight), and diplomat from the Banu Munqidh dynasty of Shaizar in northern Syria.

Quotes

• Verily, the soul is content when that which it desires is learned, and becomes importunate in its pursuit when it is spurned.
  • The Book of the Staff, translated by Paul M. Cobb (Penguin: 2008), p. 245