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Brina's Reviews > The Prophet
The Prophet
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Kahlil Gibran was one of the leading Maronite philosophers of the first half of the twentieth century. Born in Lebanon in 1883, his poetry accompanied by artwork has been translated into over twenty languages. I decided to read his opus The Prophet, which is awe inspiring poetry written in novella form. A classic that often surfaces on goodreads classics groups, The Prophet is a worthy edition to one's classics collection.
Gibran's philosopher Al-Mustafa has traveled by boat to visit the Orphalese people and speak words of wisdom to them. Almitra becomes especially enamored in Al-Mustafa's teachings and either hangs onto or collaborates with him in his words as he wows the Orphalese with both his wisdom and knowledge. Gibran's words translated into English are like reading any religion's scriptures and flow like the honey of the Middle East. Passages speak of "a bird of space, that in a cage of words may indeed unfold its wings but cannot fly" and "knows that yesterday is but today's memory and tomorrow is today's dream" yet each page of this thin volume evokes powerful philosophy. It is of little wonder that Almitra and her people would become enamored with the words of Al-Mustafa.
Almitra was also a seeress in her own right and desired that Al-Mustafa remain in Orphal and that they join forces in prophecy. I found this thinking to be progressive for its time or any time. Some of Almitra's forward thinking included: "Blessed be this day and this place and your spirit that has spoken." She is keen in her perceptive skills and values having one like Al-Mustafa in her midst. Yet, his destiny is not to remain in one sea faring village but to travel the region preaching words of wisdom to all people.
The version I read was a pocket book that also included a few of Gibran's sketches of Al-Mustafa. Between the poetry and drawings, he has created a masterpiece that flowed on the pages. While I am used to reading psalms and prophetic teachings, I did not find Gibran's words to be anything that out of the ordinary but in comparison to the majority of secular works, his words are powerful. Although not my absolute favorite, I am glad that I read this opus and would read more of Gibran's poetry. 3.75 stars rounded to 4.
Gibran's philosopher Al-Mustafa has traveled by boat to visit the Orphalese people and speak words of wisdom to them. Almitra becomes especially enamored in Al-Mustafa's teachings and either hangs onto or collaborates with him in his words as he wows the Orphalese with both his wisdom and knowledge. Gibran's words translated into English are like reading any religion's scriptures and flow like the honey of the Middle East. Passages speak of "a bird of space, that in a cage of words may indeed unfold its wings but cannot fly" and "knows that yesterday is but today's memory and tomorrow is today's dream" yet each page of this thin volume evokes powerful philosophy. It is of little wonder that Almitra and her people would become enamored with the words of Al-Mustafa.
Almitra was also a seeress in her own right and desired that Al-Mustafa remain in Orphal and that they join forces in prophecy. I found this thinking to be progressive for its time or any time. Some of Almitra's forward thinking included: "Blessed be this day and this place and your spirit that has spoken." She is keen in her perceptive skills and values having one like Al-Mustafa in her midst. Yet, his destiny is not to remain in one sea faring village but to travel the region preaching words of wisdom to all people.
The version I read was a pocket book that also included a few of Gibran's sketches of Al-Mustafa. Between the poetry and drawings, he has created a masterpiece that flowed on the pages. While I am used to reading psalms and prophetic teachings, I did not find Gibran's words to be anything that out of the ordinary but in comparison to the majority of secular works, his words are powerful. Although not my absolute favorite, I am glad that I read this opus and would read more of Gibran's poetry. 3.75 stars rounded to 4.
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Jill
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Jul 31, 2017 01:02PM
Looks like this book has held up over the years. I wondered if maybe it would seem rather dated as it was so popular during the Summer of Love and tastes change. Glad to see your 4 star review, Brina.
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Thanks, Jill. It read like a religious text. I could see where those enamored with eastern religions during the summer of love would enjoy it. I guess different people can get different meaning out of any text.
I think it was a little after the Summer of Love that I read this. My impression was not that it was religious, but rather good common sense expressed in a poetic style. - lol - (I was reading Marcus Aurelius, Socrates, and Epictetus at the time, so this was a welcome relief!) We all definitely derive meaning differently as you mentioned to Jill. :) Terrific 4-Star review, Brina!
Thank you, Jaline. I guess the summer of love was before my time ;) so I am glad that at the time people derived comic relief from this book.
You are welcome, Brina. :) I don't recall hearing about this book as a source for comic relief - is that from something you read?
I misread your previous comment-- welcome relief and then derive differently. Shows how one word can change meaning. Regardless this was refreshing and give a lot to talk about.
Brina wrote: "I misread your previous comment-- welcome relief and then derive differently. Shows how one word can change meaning. Regardless this was refreshing and give a lot to talk about."Whew! :) I'm glad we got it all sorted - and yes, I also found this book refreshing - that is the perfect word, actually! :)
love this book!!!!fyi he wasn't Muslim; he was from a donomination called Maronite......he's buried at the family church in Lebanon. His father was a minister. Kahlil was deeply influenced by Eastern philosophy and talked a lot about spiritual love and interfaith peace.
Thank you for the clarification Samantha. I'm going to fix that one part to credit the correct religion.
Maronites are Lebanese Christians, making up about 20+% of the Lebanese population. Similar theology to Roman Catholics, they follow the Pope but are considered independent of the RC Church.
Thank you for the clarification, Sara. I knew that Lebanon was a multi religion country but didn't know the breakdown. This is interesting to find out.
Sara wrote: "Maronites are Lebanese Christians, making up about 20+% of the Lebanese population. Similar theology to Roman Catholics, they follow the Pope but are considered independent of the RC Church."Maronites are Eastern Catholics in full communion.
Aaron wrote: "Sara wrote: "Maronites are Lebanese Christians, making up about 20+% of the Lebanese population. Similar theology to Roman Catholics, they follow the Pope but are considered independent of the RC C..."The Syriac Maronite Church, started in 410 AD, is actually part of the Antiochene Catholic movement as opposed to the Roman (Latin) Catholic. They are self-governing but, yes, they are afforded the full rites of the Church and may attend Roman Catholic services without a problem.
Sara, yes they have their own tradition. I'd only disagree that they differ in "theology", and that they are "independent of the RC Church" but in communion (my words), which sounds contradictory.Just to clarify what you wrote (because you're not wrong), they are semi-autonomous or self-governing in regards to handling internal affairs and methods of worship: i.e. liturgy etc., not on doctrine.
Excellent review, Brina. When in I was in undergraduate school, everyone was reading this. I probably should re-visit it.
