Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collections
Publication
London : William Heinemann, 2011. (1997?)
Original publication date
1923
ISBN
0434290815 / 9780434290819
Other editions
The prophet by Kahlil Gibran (Paper Book)
Description
The Prophet represents the acme of Kahlil Gibran's achievement. Writing in English, Gibran adopted the tone and cadence of King James I's Bible, fusing his personalised Christian philosophy with a spirit and oriental wisdom that derives from the richly mixed influences of his native Lebanon.His language has a breath-taking beauty. Before returning to his birthplace, Almustafa, the 'prophet', is asked for guidance by the people of Orphalese. His words, redolent with love and understanding, call for universal unity, and affirm Gibran's certainty of the correlated nature of all existence, and of reincarnation. The Prophet has never lost its immediate appeal and has become a ubiquitous touchstone of spiritual literature.
User reviews
LibraryThing member kotwcs
This is one book in which, as I came to the last few pages, I subconsciously began to read slower and slower: trying to make it last as I savored every word. There is real poetry in this book...the best kind that is full of wisdom and deep things said in the simplest way. A beautiful, gently
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philosophical read. Show Less
LibraryThing member barblibrarian
I originally read this book in high school over 30 years ago and found it beautiful. Today I find it enlightening, calming, and a constant source of re-examination. I actually keep a copy with me at all times to read whenever I need to wait somewhere and want a quick reminder. Very thought
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provoking and very new age. Show Less
LibraryThing member jthuro1
This collection of poems by Kahlil Gibran is an exceptional work of art. The Prophet gives a look at elements of every day life such as eating, love, and clothing with a focus on spirituality and mindfulness. Appropriate for any open minded person, The Prophet asks us to appreciate life's gifts and
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to look deeper into things. The Prophet would have us know our inner selves and, in turn, understand the outside world which is actually a part of ourselves too. This book is full of poems expressing love, insight, joy, sorrow, and compassion for the human condition. Gibran asks us to appreciate everything we have and takes a unique look at elements of life that many may take for granted. Show Less
LibraryThing member Katie_H
"The Prophet" is a beautiful and timeless work of art. From the mouth of an old man about to sail away to a far off place, we hear the simple and lyrical wisdom of life and all its components, such as love, work, materialism, crime, freedom, friendship, pleasure, and death. This is a classic guide
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book for life, full of philosophical eloquence. It is a profound and poetic serman that puts much into perspective without feeling dogmatic or religious. Especially poignant were the writings on Marriage, Children, and Joy and Sorrow. The book can be read in less than an hour, but I'd suggest spending more time with it, allowing yourself to fully absorb this masterpiece. Ten stars. Show Less
LibraryThing member regularguy5mb
I feel like this is one of those essential books that everyone should read at least once in their lives. And, while it took me longer than it probably should have, I've finally read it.
So much insight in Gibran's narrative, things that are timeless because they speak to the basics of human nature,
Freedom, Time, Beauty, Crime & Punishment, Beauty, Teaching, Speaking; all concepts that the Prophet touches upon. Just do yourself a favor and pick this one up, it's definitely worth the read.
This is one I'm going to keep close to me so I can reference it often.
So much insight in Gibran's narrative, things that are timeless because they speak to the basics of human nature,
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which regardless of how much we "advance" as a society, will always remain true.Freedom, Time, Beauty, Crime & Punishment, Beauty, Teaching, Speaking; all concepts that the Prophet touches upon. Just do yourself a favor and pick this one up, it's definitely worth the read.
This is one I'm going to keep close to me so I can reference it often.
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LibraryThing member sitaraa
a treasure.. i keep going back to it
LibraryThing member AnnThatcher
"I have found a truth." -- More then a book... The Prophet, is Absorbing the lessons given by a prophet to the people of Orphalese - written in a profound and poetic rhythm. The Prophet is about lessons to the of people on Orphalese - that one must embrace. The Prophet waited twelve years in the
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city of Orphalese for his ship to come in. His lessons to the people varying from the Self realization, Relationships -- Good and Evil and of marriage . Similar paradox of other inspirational literature, the I-ching, and teachings of Christ and Buddha. Not by any means is this a read once and remember book. It's more of a come back to again and again - to embrace a wisdom. This book is a constant source of re-examination. I should actually keep a copy with me at all times as a quick reminder... of who I am - and life itself. Show Less
LibraryThing member mfassold
One of my favorite books of inspiration. I gave my Friday crew the book before they left for college. One of my favorite memories will always be sharing the book at Starbucks this summer.
LibraryThing member marqpdx
This book is priceless. If you haven't done so, read it soon. So much wisdom so sweetly and lovingly put forth.
LibraryThing member MsNikki
Loved it. It is an aspirational book, full of advice based on ideal types...but that's great because we need to reach for something.
LibraryThing member pdxwoman
In the seventh grade I learned teachers didn't know as much as they led us to believe. I'd read The Prophet and wanted to talk about it with my Tag English teacher. He had no idea who Kahlil Gibran was. It took me at least a week to wrap my brain around that fact.
More years later than I'd care to
More years later than I'd care to
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admit, I still remember the impact the book had on me and, while I've never read it a second time, several passages and the overall impact stick with me. Show Less
LibraryThing member janemarieprice
This small and beautiful collection of poems is wonderful. They cover any range of topics of life such as marriage and childhood. They are a great pick you up.
LibraryThing member hollowtaction
These short sections on various topics are completely insightful. Reading the prophet's wisdom, I felt as though he were telling me things from my own mind that I only had not put down into words, and Gibran wrote his prose with such an artfulness that this novel is nothing short of inspirational.
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He has written the poetry of my soul. Show Less
LibraryThing member motjebben
A beautiful book! The poetry is exquisite and often quoted for its beauty and profound insight. A MUST-READ! Gibran's prophet speaks eloquently on the topics of everyone's life: Love, Marriage, Children, Work, Joy and Sorrow, ... Time, ... Religion...
This timeless work will have you thinking deeply
This timeless work will have you thinking deeply
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and THAT is its greatest gift! Show Less
LibraryThing member Leonard_Seet
There are spiritual gems sprinkled throughout the pages. A book of wisdom and a spiritual classic.
LibraryThing member MarioSantamaria
The author creates a prophet to deliver their wisdom to an audience. Talks many subjects full of wisdom. They are not attached to any specific religion. It is short lenght but you need some time to digest any chapter. It is a great reading.
LibraryThing member GoofyOcean110
I read The Prophet perhaps way way too quickly - its short enough to be read in a few hours, but deep enough to take years to digest. There's lots in there that would be good quotes to remember. It reminded me a little bit of the song 'Best of all possible worlds' in Candide(?) where this one
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know-it-all explains his unrelenting optimism. Show Less
LibraryThing member AlaricBond
A book that transcends most faiths; one to reach for in the middle of the night.
LibraryThing member Cate88
Timeless in its wisdom. Less is definitely more in this slim volume. Excellent guide for living.
LibraryThing member hollybdurso
An absolutely beautiful little book filled with poetic wisdom that I believe people from every faith and background can draw from.
LibraryThing member Anietzerck
I read this to complete a reading challenge. I'm not usually one for poetry but I did find this book to be pretty captivating for the most part. There were definitely areas that were harder for me to read than others, but over all I enjoyed it. I'd say that I enjoyed it more than I expected to.
LibraryThing member Becky221
(Read in 2002.) Favorite quotes:
“And ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.”
“All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of life’s heart.”
“The deeper that sorrow
“And ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.”
“All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of life’s heart.”
“The deeper that sorrow
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carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.” Show Less
LibraryThing member John5918
What can one say? Wisdom and beauty combined.
LibraryThing member LibroLindsay
I mean...it's fine. Too bland for my taste though. I've been carting this around for almost 20 years...I probably would have enjoyed it in high school.
LibraryThing member maheswaranm
Was not quite my cup of tea. Might re-read. Might re-rate then.
But I just say - "It was okay"
But I just say - "It was okay"
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Call number
CA GIB