Jan 08, 2003 10:18 PM
6824 Views
(Updated Jan 08, 2003 10:38 PM)
Kahlil Gibran’s profound philosophy applies dynamically with an amazing timelessness to all human problems. His thoughts are ageless and will continue guiding the world through centuries. Most of the lines in his book 'The Prophet' are eminently quotable, and are indeed quoted in many other articles and books. Philosophical and inspirational without being too preachy.
A prophet Almustafa is departing from the city of Orphalese, back to the isle of his birth. As he is about to leave the people of the city gather around him and ask of him about all that is between life and death. Almustafa answers their queries on various matters like Love, Marriage, Children, Sorrow, Crime & Punishment, Laws, Freedom, Pain, Teaching, Friendship, Good & Evil, Pleasure, Beauty, Religion,Death among some of them. His thoughts on each of these matters make up this mystical and powerful book.
The sheer flow of language and its immensely likeable style is what sets The Prophet apart from other similar books. This aspect makes even the heaviest of philosophy a relaxed read. Poetic and almost lyrical, the language may be florid yet; the words are simple and exert a tremendous impact. Almost all lines are highly figurative. There is a profuse and beautiful use of antithesis. Interspersed between the pages are enchanting sketches done by the author
The Prophet is a must read for anyone at any point of their lives. The reader will surely find quite a few take away messages. Even the most hardened skeptics who scoff at self help books(I dislike the term), would definitely like this one, due to its down to earth practicality. An arresting book worth re-reads, that compels you to assimilate it, not merely read it
Read The Prophet in one sitting, since its only a little above 100 pages. The complete work is available on the internet at many links. Just do a Google search for it and you can read the whole text. Should you want a hard copy, it’s available for Rs. 50/-. Other Kahlil Gibran’s works worth reading are Spirits Rebellious and Tears & Laughter.
Go ahead and savour the exquisite delicacy of Kahlil Gibran’s words, while I sign off with one of my many favorite passages of The Prophet.
“What of the cripple who hates dancers?
What of the old serpent who cannot shed his skin and calls all others naked and shameless?
And of him who comes early to the wedding feast, and when overfed and tired goes his way saying that all feasts are violation and all feasters law breakers?
What shall I say of these save that they too stand in the sunlight, but with their backs to the sun?
They only see their shadows and their shadows are their laws.
And what is the sun to them but a caster of shadows?”
