Introduction
“The Prophet” is a book of 26 poetic essays written in English by the Lebanese-American artist, philosopher, and writer Kahlil Gibran. It was first published in 1923 and has since become one of the best-selling books of all time, widely translated and cherished for its philosophical insights and lyrical prose.
The Prophet's Departure
The book is set in the fictional town of Orphalese, where the prophet Almustafa has lived for 12 years. As he prepares to board a ship that will take him back to his homeland, the people of Orphalese gather around him, asking him to share his wisdom on various aspects of life.
Love
Almustafa speaks about love, emphasizing that love is not a possession but rather a form of companionship where each person retains their individuality while sharing in the beauty of togetherness.
Marriage
He discusses marriage as a bond between two individuals who should give each other space to grow while finding unity in their love.
Children
Almustafa talks about children as the offspring of life’s longing for itself. He emphasizes the role of parents in guiding their children, but also the importance of allowing them to forge their own paths.
Giving
He speaks about giving as an expression of one’s self, where the giver and the receiver are interconnected in the act of giving.
Eating and Drinking
Almustafa discusses eating and drinking as a way to nourish the body and the soul, emphasizing moderation and mindfulness in consumption.
Work
Almustafa talks about children as the offspring of life’s longing for itself. He emphasizes the role of parents in guiding their children, but also the importance of allowing them to forge their own paths.
Joy and Sorrow
Almustafa speaks about joy and sorrow as intertwined emotions that enrich our experience of life, urging the people of Orphalese to embrace both with grace.
Houses
He discusses houses as more than mere shelter, but also as extensions of the soul, reflecting the inner life of their inhabitants.
Clothes
Almustafa talks about clothes as more than just coverings for the body but as expressions of one’s identity and individuality.
Buying and Selling
He discusses buying and selling as transactions that go beyond material exchange, involving the exchange of values and ideas.
Crime and Punishment
Almustafa speaks about crime and punishment, emphasizing the need for justice tempered with mercy and understanding.
Laws
He discusses laws as reflections of the collective conscience of a society, emphasizing the need for laws to be just and compassionate.
Freedom
Almustafa speaks about freedom as a state of being rather than just a lack of restraint, emphasizing the importance of inner freedom.
Reason and Passion
He discusses reason and passion as two wings that enable the human soul to soar, urging balance between the two.
Pain
Almustafa speaks about pain as a necessary part of growth, urging the people of Orphalese to embrace it as they would joy.
Self-Knowledge
Almustafa speaks about freedom as a state of being rather than just a lack of restraint, emphasizing the importance of inner freedom.
Teaching
Almustafa speaks about teaching as a way to share knowledge and wisdom, emphasizing the importance of being both a student and a teacher in life.
Friendship
He discusses friendship as a bond between equals, emphasizing the importance of honesty, trust, and understanding in true friendship.
Talking
Almustafa speaks about talking as a way to express oneself, emphasizing the need for mindful communication.
Time
He discusses time as a river that carries us forward, urging the people of Orphalese to live in the present moment.
Good and Evil
Almustafa speaks about good and evil as two sides of the same coin, urging the people of Orphalese to seek the good within themselves and others.
Prayer
He discusses prayer as a way to commune with the divine, emphasizing that true prayer arises from the heart.
Pleasure
Almustafa speaks about pleasure as a fleeting sensation, urging the people of Orphalese to seek deeper sources of joy and fulfillment.
Beauty
He discusses beauty as a reflection of the divine, urging the people of Orphalese to seek beauty in all things.
Religion
Almustafa speaks about religion as a personal journey, emphasizing that true religion is found in the heart rather than in outward rituals.
Death
He discusses death as a transition rather than an end, urging the people of Orphalese to embrace it as a natural part of life.
Farewell
As Almustafa prepares to depart, he bids farewell to the people of Orphalese, reminding them that his teachings will live on in their hearts.
Conclusion
“The Prophet” is a timeless work that continues to inspire readers with its profound insights into the human experience and the mysteries of life.
