The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
Review by: Catherine Evans Joseph
Review by: Andra-Ioana Curutiu
The short
“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”
People may remember this phrase as the most famous line in the 1961 inaugural speech of President John F. Kenedy, but in fact, the phrase was first used by Lebanese-born poet and writer Kahlil Gibran. After William Shakespeare and Chinese philosopher Laozi, Kahlil Gibran is considered to be the third-best-selling poet of all time, mainly due to his work in ‘The Prophet'.
A classic written by Lebanese-American author, Kahlil Gibran, consists of 26 beautifully written poetic essays on various aspects of life. ‘The Prophet’ is a compilation of 26 short poetries sharing Kahlil Gibran’s wisdom on spirituality, the human condition, life and death, amongst others.
The long
Kahlil introduces us to Almustafa, a Prophet of God who, before sailing off across the sea, speaks to the People of Orphalese on different matters of life. The farewell bid is engulfed in 26 beautifully written poetry essays on subjects including love, marriage, children, giving, eating and drinking, work, joy and sorrow, housing, clothes, buying and selling, crime and punishment, laws, freedom, reason and passion, pain, self-knowledge, teaching, friendship, talking, time, good and evil, prayer, pleasure, beauty, religion, and death. The essays are relatable, philosophical, and inspirational.
‘The ‘Prophet’ follows the story of Al Mustafa/Almustafa, a prophet who lived in the city of Orphalese for 12 years and is about to board a ship that will carry him home to his natal isle. On departure, he is greeted by the people of Orphalese who gather to bid him farewell and ask for his guidance on important aspects of life. The prophet Almustafa then shares his wisdom and spiritual messages on the human condition, love, joy and death, among others.
To read or not to read?
This is a must-read. Kahlil managed to write profound wisdom on different issues of life in a concise manner, whilst carrying depth beyond expectation. It is a timeless classic, as it is relevant and applicable today, in the current times we live in. The most beautiful part of this book is its ability to elevate your spirit and soul.
It is a truly inspirational piece for all those looking for spiritual wisdom and trying to understand the nature of the human condition. Published in the 1920s, this book of poetry sold millions of copies worldwide and was translated into more than twenty languages. Available on Amazon only in the paperback version.