The Prophet

When times are tough and stress is overwhelming, I turn to this book for comfort and peace. The words and wisdom of Kahlil Gibran bring me back to center. This is not an action adventure book or a romance novel, it is wisdom from across the ages, to be felt and lived.

I was first introduced to Gibran's masterpiece when I was a young intelligence analyst serving in Vietnam in 1968. You may think what an odd place to meet The Prophet, but actually a combat zone may have been the perfect locale. Vietnam was an area where man's inhumanity to man begged for something that was beautifully expressed and was profoundly true, something that was man's greatest achievement in an area of his worst. This is just one example of the power of The Prophet. The Prophet is a relatively short book that can be read in an afternoon, but its impact will endure for a lifetime. I have given copies to friends on the occasion of their weddings, and read it to every woman I ever loved. I have also recommended it to countless patients in my psychiatry practice. One would have to be dead inside not to be moved by the poetic beauty of Gibran's carefully chosen words on life, love, marriage, joy and sorrow, children and the like. It was truly inspired by God himself, so profound are its truths. This edition is equally perfect. It is hardcover and contains Gibran's own unique drawings. The paper is heavy and softly feathered, giving it an expensive appearance appropriate to the value of the writing within. It really does make a simple but valuable gift for occasions such as weddings or for others you love. If you have never read The Prophet, then you must buy some copies, read one and keep it, and give the others away to people you care about. After all these years, I cannot count the number of times that I have quoted it. It is my favorite book of all times and easily garners MY ABSOLUTE HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!!!!!

A prophet has waited twelve years in a coastal town for the ship that will bear him back to his homeland, which he misses. Why he is there, why he is waiting, how he knows what he knows, and who he is is a mystery. As he departs the townspeople gather to wish him well. A local seeress who knows him best asks him to share his wisdom so that it will endure for generations to come. So, he reveals his wisdom on love, birth, marriage, children, pain, talking, pleasure, death any so much more. It is a profound work, and here is his advice on marriage so you may judge for yourself: You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore. You shall be together when white wings of death scatter your days. Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God. But let there be spaces in your togetherness, And let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup. Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone, Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music. Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping. For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts. And stand together, yet not too near together: For the pillars of the temple stand apart, And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow. Its not a little similar to the Tao Te Ching: A New English Version (Perennial Classics) where a border guard recognises Lao Tzu, and asks him to share his wisdom as he goes into exile. Written 2,500 years ago, and one of the most translated books in the world. The Tao contains many principles you can use in your everyday life, and if you're not thinking in ego based ways, your wisdom based thinking opens up.. If you like one book, you will love the other, so I recommend both. For the Tao, I recommend the Stephen Mitchell version. Hope this was useful.

I’ve read the story about life in about death to several people who have been hanging on in hospice and it’s been such a godsend and a comforting effort to give them on their way to the other side

I've read this many times and it speaks differently each time. Although it can be read straight through I would recommend picking a subject that is weighing on your mind and read it as a commentary on the subject to deeply think about. This makes it a rather strange book for the casual reader. You could more think of it as poetry rather than prose. Because I change over time, each time I read a passage it conveys a different message. The messages aren't blunt but something to contemplate. Because of that I wouldn't recommend this as a quick read and on to something else. It has to be read over time. Read a passage and come back to read another passage later. One of my favorit books that I have used for many moments over many years.

Jungere Menschen aber auch ältere Menschen wurde diesen Buch gern lesen! Es gibt viel innere und auch poetische Schönheit! Viel Spass!

This particular edition is lifetime classic. I've gifted countless times, bookmarking the lifestage of the receiver. For the poetic wisdom on: marriage, children, love, death, giving....

EVERYTHING WAS EXECELLENT

Been wanting to read this classic and truly didn’t disappoint. The message is timeless, profound and I honestly had to read it twice to appreciate the meaning and let it all sink in. Love the artwork as well.

Worths reading it. Book itself has a premium printed quality.