The Prophet is the first book I read by Kahlil Gibran. I chose this author to be able to mark Lebanon on the Read Around the World project. I also thought that I should read a book by this interesting poet and author who also paints. The Prophet is one of the most well-known books of the author. Although you think you can read it quickly because it is relatively short, this is not a book that easily gives itself away.
In his book The Prophet, Kahlil Gibran gives advice that can be useful for you throughout life. These are examined under many subjects, from death to love and friendship to beauty. We receive them through the questions asked to The Prophet, who is about to leave the village where he is staying.
I don’t know about you, but I think it is perfect to read such books now and then. Most of us are caught up in the pace of life and have no time to think. However, when we read such a book, at least a few question marks appear in our minds, or we can find more precise answers to our questions. I don’t think it is an incredible literary work, but it is a good book for sure. Below are a few excerpts from the book. I’m sure it will tell more about it than what I will write here. Enjoy!
“Some of you say, “Joy is greater than sorrow,” and others say, “Nay, sorrow is the greater.”
Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet
But I say unto you, they are inseparable.
Together they come, and when one sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.”
The Prophet
Kahlil Gibran published “The Prophet” in 1923 and saw immediate success, but its real popularity came after his death. It remains popular today, providing insight and spiritual significance to ordinary human experiences. Gibran poetically addresses topics such as “Love” and “Marriage” as well as more mundane ones like “Work” and “Talking.” Gibran’s “spiritual fiction” does not shy away from deeper aspects of human life, either. Almustafa, the prophet, speaks also about “Good and Evil”, “Joy and Sorrow”, and even “Death.” This compact soft cover edition contains the original illustrations, made by Gibran himself.
Kahlil Gibran
Kahlil Gibran, usually referred to in English as Kahlil Gibran, was a Lebanese-American writer, poet and visual artist, also considered a philosopher although he himself rejected the title.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
