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Pensamientos y meditaciones
This collection of thoughts by Kahlil Gibran, author of "The Prophet", "The Broken Wings", "The Voice of the Master", and other twentieth-century classics, demonstrates three major aspects of his genius.
Here is the fiery prophet, assailing the corruptions of Syrian governmental and upper social circles with the wrath and scorn of Biblical seers.
Here, too, is the poet of love, apostrophizing beauty, youth and nature, particularly the wonderful vistas of Lebanon, with its cedar groves and mountains, in poetry of passionate tenderness.
And above all, here is the author of the remarkable poetic narratives in which Gibran's mystical, spiritual vision of the transmigration of souls is embodied in tales of lovers tragically parted in one existence and rapturously reunited, after centuries of separation, in a later incarnation.
The spiritual message of the great Lebanese prophet and poet is conveyed with exceptional beauty and power in these sensitive writings.
96 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1960
71 people are currently reading
2592 people want to read
About the author
Kahlil Gibran
1,344 books15.1k followersKahlil Gibran (Arabic:
جبران خليل جبران
) was a Lebanese-American artist, poet, and writer.
Born in the town of Bsharri in modern-day Lebanon (then part of Ottoman Mount Lebanon), as a young man he emigrated with his family to the United States where he studied art and began his literary career. In the Arab world, Gibran is regarded as a literary and political rebel. His romantic style was at the heart of a renaissance in modern Arabic literature, especially prose poetry, breaking away from the classical school. In Lebanon, he is still celebrated as a literary hero.
He is chiefly known in the English-speaking world for his 1923 book The Prophet, an early example of inspirational fiction including a series of philosophical essays written in poetic English prose. The book sold well despite a cool critical reception, gaining popularity in the 1930s and again, especially in the 1960s counterculture.
Gibran is the third best-selling poet of all time, behind Shakespeare and Lao-Tzu.
Born in the town of Bsharri in modern-day Lebanon (then part of Ottoman Mount Lebanon), as a young man he emigrated with his family to the United States where he studied art and began his literary career. In the Arab world, Gibran is regarded as a literary and political rebel. His romantic style was at the heart of a renaissance in modern Arabic literature, especially prose poetry, breaking away from the classical school. In Lebanon, he is still celebrated as a literary hero.
He is chiefly known in the English-speaking world for his 1923 book The Prophet, an early example of inspirational fiction including a series of philosophical essays written in poetic English prose. The book sold well despite a cool critical reception, gaining popularity in the 1930s and again, especially in the 1960s counterculture.
Gibran is the third best-selling poet of all time, behind Shakespeare and Lao-Tzu.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 1, 2013
Kahlil Gibran is one of the most profound poets of our time. (He died during the 1930's-not sure of the exact year.) When you read Gibran you immediately notice that he does not use complicated words or structure to convey his message. You get what he is saying and what his subject concerns lasts in the memory. (None of this; "What is he really trying to say? hodge podge.)His message is simple and powerful.
In this collection, he covers his spiritual vision of youth, nature, love, and life. One must, in order to gain the release of his voice, read slow and thoughtful. Some readers can read anything anywhere anytime no matter what the distraction. I can't. I also discourage readers from doing that with "Thoughts and Mediations".
Many of the stories moved me. Here are a few. Martha; The Return of the Beloved; My Soul Preached to Me; The Goddess of Fantasy; and The Speechless Animal. I highly recommend reading this book.
In this collection, he covers his spiritual vision of youth, nature, love, and life. One must, in order to gain the release of his voice, read slow and thoughtful. Some readers can read anything anywhere anytime no matter what the distraction. I can't. I also discourage readers from doing that with "Thoughts and Mediations".
Many of the stories moved me. Here are a few. Martha; The Return of the Beloved; My Soul Preached to Me; The Goddess of Fantasy; and The Speechless Animal. I highly recommend reading this book.
June 16, 2016
Αυτό το βιβλιο είναι μια συλλογή διαφόρων κειμένων που εκδόθηκε μετά το θάνατο του συγγραφέα. Αναφέρω μερικά αποσπάσματα στα οποία κατα τη γνώμη μου φαίνεται το μεγαλείο και οι άξονες που ανέδειξαν τον Χαλίλ ως έναν απο τους πιο αξιόλογους συγγραφείς του Αραβικού κόσμου και οχι μόνο. "...καθώς το λουλούδι παίρνει ζωή και αρωματική ευωδία απο τη γη, ετσι κι η ψυχή παίρνει σοφία και δύναμη απο την αδυναμία και τις πλάνες της ύλης." , "...Η αγάπη ειναι μαγική ακτίνα που εκπέμπεται απο το φλογερό πυρήνα της ψυχής και φωτίζει τη γύρω γη. Μας κανει ικανούς να βλεπουμε τη ζωή σαν ενα όμορφο όνειρο ανάμεσα στο ένα ξύπνημα και τ´άλλο" , μιλώντας για τη γη: "...εμείς σου ξεριζώνουμε τα σπλάχνα για να φτιάξουμε μπόμπες και κανόνια, μα εσυ από τα δικά μας τα σπλάχνα φτιάχνεις κρίνα και τριαντάφυλλα,....Εισαι ταχα ενα άτομο από τη σκόνη που σήκωσαν τα πόδια του Θεού όταν ταξίδευε απο την Ανατολή στη Δύση του σύμπαντος;"
May 7, 2015
Kahlil Jibran was recommended to me by my Father. This book is a collection of short stories which is merely 80 pages long. Hence, a one-sit-through read with The Enchantress being my personal fave. Subjectively, Kinda boring but very profound. Makes you want to read The Prophet.
November 24, 2019
I haven’t read Kahlil Gibran’s famous work ”The Prophet” nor any other books of his previously, so this is my first.
The book is translated from the Arabic.
As the translator, Anthony R. Ferris, informed us in the Preface, in his youth, Kibran, the prophet of Lebanon, “conceived the universe as perfect and devoid of evil”. He had looked upon “the heads of state and the hierarchs of the religions as truly the pillars of society” and expected them to provide examples of justice and wisdom.
When he realized the truth and “saw the rich abusing the poor who lived under the yoke of slavery and despotism” he began to express his feelings about this through “scorching” articles in Arabic newspapers, books, etc. Some of these are included in the present volume.
Gibran lamented that the world was such as it was.
Gibran’s texts are pure poesy. He writes about death and destruction, beauty and love. I can’t say that I fully understand his writing, perhaps hardly at all in some cases, but the beauty speaks to my heart.
“My soul preached to me and taught me to love that which the people abhor and befriend him whom they revile.” “But now love has become a halo whose beginning is its end, and whose end is its beginning. It surrounds every being and extends slowly to embrace all that shall be."
“Ere my soul preached to me, I heard naught but clamor and wailing. But now I eagerly attend Silence and hear its choirs singing the hymns of the ages and the songs of the firmament announcing the secrets of the Universe.”
“And ere my soul spoke to me, I imagined the Past as an epoch that never returned, and the Future as one that could never be reached.
Now I realize that the present moment contains all time and within it is all that can be hoped for, done and realized.”
“For you and I are one, and there is not variance between us save that I urgently declare that which is in my inner self, while you keep as a secret that which is within you.”
In “Decayed Teeth” Gibran talks about the rotten, black, and dirty teeth in the Syrian nation: in the homes of the rich reign conceit, falsehood and hypocrisy, and in the huts of the poor dwell fear, ignorance, and cowardice.
In “Mister Gabber” he tells us how his soul abhors “gabbers and their gab”. Mister Gabber is found in the courts and institutions of learning, in the temples and other places of worship, in his home too, everywhere.
I have read widely but never anything like the work of this poet.
If you possess any poetic sense whatsoever, or sense of Love, Beauty, Spirituality, or Wisdom, take a look at this work. I received it as a present from my mother-in-law many years ago and, sadly, did not open it until now: I should have done so years ago.
The book is translated from the Arabic.
As the translator, Anthony R. Ferris, informed us in the Preface, in his youth, Kibran, the prophet of Lebanon, “conceived the universe as perfect and devoid of evil”. He had looked upon “the heads of state and the hierarchs of the religions as truly the pillars of society” and expected them to provide examples of justice and wisdom.
When he realized the truth and “saw the rich abusing the poor who lived under the yoke of slavery and despotism” he began to express his feelings about this through “scorching” articles in Arabic newspapers, books, etc. Some of these are included in the present volume.
Gibran lamented that the world was such as it was.
Gibran’s texts are pure poesy. He writes about death and destruction, beauty and love. I can’t say that I fully understand his writing, perhaps hardly at all in some cases, but the beauty speaks to my heart.
“My soul preached to me and taught me to love that which the people abhor and befriend him whom they revile.” “But now love has become a halo whose beginning is its end, and whose end is its beginning. It surrounds every being and extends slowly to embrace all that shall be."
“Ere my soul preached to me, I heard naught but clamor and wailing. But now I eagerly attend Silence and hear its choirs singing the hymns of the ages and the songs of the firmament announcing the secrets of the Universe.”
“And ere my soul spoke to me, I imagined the Past as an epoch that never returned, and the Future as one that could never be reached.
Now I realize that the present moment contains all time and within it is all that can be hoped for, done and realized.”
“For you and I are one, and there is not variance between us save that I urgently declare that which is in my inner self, while you keep as a secret that which is within you.”
In “Decayed Teeth” Gibran talks about the rotten, black, and dirty teeth in the Syrian nation: in the homes of the rich reign conceit, falsehood and hypocrisy, and in the huts of the poor dwell fear, ignorance, and cowardice.
In “Mister Gabber” he tells us how his soul abhors “gabbers and their gab”. Mister Gabber is found in the courts and institutions of learning, in the temples and other places of worship, in his home too, everywhere.
I have read widely but never anything like the work of this poet.
If you possess any poetic sense whatsoever, or sense of Love, Beauty, Spirituality, or Wisdom, take a look at this work. I received it as a present from my mother-in-law many years ago and, sadly, did not open it until now: I should have done so years ago.
April 8, 2015
A collection of parables translated by Anthony R. Ferris. I probably would have enjoyed these more when I was younger--a lot younger.
The preface is the most interesting part of the book. Gibran was a fascinating man who wanted a world free of oppression, ignorance, suffering, superstition. What he saw was a world where the rich and powerful abused the poor and weak. But if his solution to the problem is the nonsensical stories gathered here, we are never going to solve such problems.
The preface is the most interesting part of the book. Gibran was a fascinating man who wanted a world free of oppression, ignorance, suffering, superstition. What he saw was a world where the rich and powerful abused the poor and weak. But if his solution to the problem is the nonsensical stories gathered here, we are never going to solve such problems.
March 4, 2012
Beautiful collection of writings by Kahlil Gibran; famous poet and author.
August 20, 2012
For anyone looking to reach a higher spiritual understanding, this is a "must" read.
Want to read
August 17, 2015How do u being reading? Can anyone help
February 5, 2022
Special Parts From The Book: Thoughts and Meditations
He explained how souls pass from one body to another, elevated by good deeds in the form they choose and under the influence of past life experience, how they strive for radiance that exalts and strengthens them through Love that makes them happy and happy at the same time ...
The sage then discussed the way souls move from place to place in search of perfection, atonement in the present for sins committed in the past, and reaping in one life what they sowed in another.
...
...
There are many diseased teeth in the mouth of society, rotten to the bone of the jaw.
But society is not trying to get them out and get rid of the torment.
It is satisfied with gold seals.
There are many dentists who rot the teeth of a society filled with glittering gold.
...
...
My Soul Preached to Me ...
My soul preached to me and taught me to love that which the people abhor and befriend him whom they revile.
My soul showed me that Love prides itself not only in the one who loves but also in the beloved.
Ere my soul preached to me. Love was in my heart as a tiny thread fastened between two pegs.
But now Love has become a halo whose beginning is its end, and whose end is its beginning.
It surrounds every being and extends slowly to embrace all that shall be.
My soul advised me and taught me to perceive the hidden beauty of the skin, figure, and hue.
She instructed me to meditate upon that which the people call ugly until its true charm and delight appear. Ere my soul counseled me, I saw Beauty like a trembling torch between columns of smoke. Now since the smoke has vanished, I see naught save the flame.
My soul preached to me and taught me to listen to the voices that the tongue and the larynx and the lips do not utter.
Ere my soul preached to me, I heard naught but clamor and wailing.
But now I eagerly attend Silence and hear its choirs singing the hymns of the ages and the songs
of the firmament announcing the secrets of the Unseen.
My soul preached to me and instructed me to drink the wine that cannot be pressed and cannot be poured from cups that hands can hit or lips can touch.
Ere my soul preached to me, my thirst was like a dim spark hidden under the aches that can be extinguished by a swallow of water.
But now my longing has become my cup, my affections my wine, and my loneliness my intoxication: yet, in this unquenchable thirst there is eternal joy.
My soul preached to me and taught me to touch that which has not become incarnate: my soul revealed to me that whatever we touch is part of our desire.
But now my fingers have turned into mist penetrating that which is seen in the universe and mingling with the Unseen.
My soul instructed me to inhale the scent that no myrtle or incense emits. Ere my soul preached to me, I craved the scent of perfume in the gardens or in flasks or in centers.
But now I can savor the incense that is not burnt for offering or sacrifice. And I fill my heart with a fragrance that has never been wafted by the frolicsome breeze of space.
My soul preached to me and taught me to say, “I am ready" when the Unknown and Danger call on me. Ere my soul preached to me, I answered no voice save the voice of the crier whom I knew, and walked not save upon the easy and smooth path.
Now the Unknown has become a steed that I can mount in order to reach the Unknown, and the plain has turned into a ladder on whose steps I climb to the summit.
My soul spoke to me and said, "Do not measure Time by saying, ‘There was yesterday, and there shall be tomorrow.”
And ere my soul spoke to me, I imagined the Past as an epoch that never returned, and the Future as one that could never be reached.
Now I realize that the present moment contains all time and within it is all that can be hoped for, done, and realized.
My soul preached to me exhorting me not to limit space by saying, "Here, there, and yonder.”
Ere my soul preached to me, I felt that wherever I walked was far from any other space.
Now I realize that wherever I contain all places; and the distance that I walk embraces all distances.
My soul instructed me and advised me to stay awake while others sleep. And to surrender to slumber when others are astir.
Ere my soul preached to me, I saw not their dreams in my sleep, neither did they observe my vision. Now I never sail the vessel of my dreams unless they watch me, and they never soar into the sky of their vision unless I rejoice in their freedom.
My soul preached to me and said, “Do not be delighted because of praise, and do not be distressed because of blame.”
Ere my soul counseled me, I doubted the worth of my work.
Now I realize that the trees blossom in Spring and bear fruit in Summer without seeking praise: and they drop their leaves in Autumn and become naked in Winter without fearing blame.
My soul preached to me and showed me that I am neither more than the pygmy nor less than the giant.
Ere my soul preached to me, I looked upon humanity as two men: one weak, whom I pitied, and the other strong, whom I followed or resisted in defiance.
But now I have learned that I was as both are and made from the same elements. My origin is their origin, my conscience is their conscience, my contention is their contention, and my pilgrimage is their pilgrimage.
If they sin, I am also a sinner.
If they do well, I take pride in their well-doing.
If they rise, I rise with them.
If they stay inert, I share their slothfulness.
My soul spoke to me and said, “The lantern which you carry is not yours, and the song that you sing was not composed within your heart, for even if you bear the light, you are not the light, and even if you are a lute fastened with strings, you are not the lute player."
My soul preached to me, my brother, and taught me much. And your soul has preached and taught as much to you. For you and I are one, and there is no variance between us save that I urgently declare that which is in my inner self, while you keep as a secret that which is within you.
But in your secrecy, there is a sort of virtue
...
...
Youth is a wonderful dream, the glow of which the books sprinkle with blinding dust.
Will there ever come a day when the wise will combine the joy of knowledge with youthful dreams?
Will the day come when Nature will become man's teacher, humanity his book, and life his school?
The joyful purpose of youth cannot be fulfilled until that day comes.
Our walk towards spiritual ascension is too slow because we use too little youthful zeal.
...
...
Vision
"The sea never sleeps, and its vigil gives comfort to the sleepless soul."
A few steps from the ghost, I paused as if held back by a magical force.
At that moment one of the ghosts stood up and in a voice that rose from the depths of the sea said:
Life without love is like a tree that does not bloom and does not bear fruit.
And love without beauty is like flowers without fragrance and fruits without seeds ... life, love, and beauty are three persons in one, and they cannot be separated or changed.
Another ghost spoke and in a voice that roared like a waterfall and said:
“Life without rebellion is like a year without spring. And rebellion without justice is like flying in a hot desert ... life, rebellion, and justice are a trinity that cannot be changed or split.
Then the third apparition spoke, in a voice like thunder:
"Life without freedom is like a body without a soul, and freedom without thoughts is like a confused spirit ... life, freedom and thought are a trinity, eternal and imperishable."
Then the three forts rose together and in a fearful voice said aloud:
˝What love conceives,
What rebellion creates,
What freedom gives birth to,
There are three manifestations of God.
And God is the mind
of this World.˝
...
...
Who are you Earth, and what are you?
You are ˝Me˝ the Earth!
You are my sight and my discernment.
You are my knowledge and my dream.
You are my hunger and thirst.
You are my joy and pain.
You are my carelessness and vigilance.
You are the beauty that lives in my eyes, the longing in my heart, the eternal life in my soul.
You are ˝Me˝, Earth.
If my being wasn't,
You wouldn't be either.
...
...
He explained how souls pass from one body to another, elevated by good deeds in the form they choose and under the influence of past life experience, how they strive for radiance that exalts and strengthens them through Love that makes them happy and happy at the same time ...
The sage then discussed the way souls move from place to place in search of perfection, atonement in the present for sins committed in the past, and reaping in one life what they sowed in another.
...
...
There are many diseased teeth in the mouth of society, rotten to the bone of the jaw.
But society is not trying to get them out and get rid of the torment.
It is satisfied with gold seals.
There are many dentists who rot the teeth of a society filled with glittering gold.
...
...
My Soul Preached to Me ...
My soul preached to me and taught me to love that which the people abhor and befriend him whom they revile.
My soul showed me that Love prides itself not only in the one who loves but also in the beloved.
Ere my soul preached to me. Love was in my heart as a tiny thread fastened between two pegs.
But now Love has become a halo whose beginning is its end, and whose end is its beginning.
It surrounds every being and extends slowly to embrace all that shall be.
My soul advised me and taught me to perceive the hidden beauty of the skin, figure, and hue.
She instructed me to meditate upon that which the people call ugly until its true charm and delight appear. Ere my soul counseled me, I saw Beauty like a trembling torch between columns of smoke. Now since the smoke has vanished, I see naught save the flame.
My soul preached to me and taught me to listen to the voices that the tongue and the larynx and the lips do not utter.
Ere my soul preached to me, I heard naught but clamor and wailing.
But now I eagerly attend Silence and hear its choirs singing the hymns of the ages and the songs
of the firmament announcing the secrets of the Unseen.
My soul preached to me and instructed me to drink the wine that cannot be pressed and cannot be poured from cups that hands can hit or lips can touch.
Ere my soul preached to me, my thirst was like a dim spark hidden under the aches that can be extinguished by a swallow of water.
But now my longing has become my cup, my affections my wine, and my loneliness my intoxication: yet, in this unquenchable thirst there is eternal joy.
My soul preached to me and taught me to touch that which has not become incarnate: my soul revealed to me that whatever we touch is part of our desire.
But now my fingers have turned into mist penetrating that which is seen in the universe and mingling with the Unseen.
My soul instructed me to inhale the scent that no myrtle or incense emits. Ere my soul preached to me, I craved the scent of perfume in the gardens or in flasks or in centers.
But now I can savor the incense that is not burnt for offering or sacrifice. And I fill my heart with a fragrance that has never been wafted by the frolicsome breeze of space.
My soul preached to me and taught me to say, “I am ready" when the Unknown and Danger call on me. Ere my soul preached to me, I answered no voice save the voice of the crier whom I knew, and walked not save upon the easy and smooth path.
Now the Unknown has become a steed that I can mount in order to reach the Unknown, and the plain has turned into a ladder on whose steps I climb to the summit.
My soul spoke to me and said, "Do not measure Time by saying, ‘There was yesterday, and there shall be tomorrow.”
And ere my soul spoke to me, I imagined the Past as an epoch that never returned, and the Future as one that could never be reached.
Now I realize that the present moment contains all time and within it is all that can be hoped for, done, and realized.
My soul preached to me exhorting me not to limit space by saying, "Here, there, and yonder.”
Ere my soul preached to me, I felt that wherever I walked was far from any other space.
Now I realize that wherever I contain all places; and the distance that I walk embraces all distances.
My soul instructed me and advised me to stay awake while others sleep. And to surrender to slumber when others are astir.
Ere my soul preached to me, I saw not their dreams in my sleep, neither did they observe my vision. Now I never sail the vessel of my dreams unless they watch me, and they never soar into the sky of their vision unless I rejoice in their freedom.
My soul preached to me and said, “Do not be delighted because of praise, and do not be distressed because of blame.”
Ere my soul counseled me, I doubted the worth of my work.
Now I realize that the trees blossom in Spring and bear fruit in Summer without seeking praise: and they drop their leaves in Autumn and become naked in Winter without fearing blame.
My soul preached to me and showed me that I am neither more than the pygmy nor less than the giant.
Ere my soul preached to me, I looked upon humanity as two men: one weak, whom I pitied, and the other strong, whom I followed or resisted in defiance.
But now I have learned that I was as both are and made from the same elements. My origin is their origin, my conscience is their conscience, my contention is their contention, and my pilgrimage is their pilgrimage.
If they sin, I am also a sinner.
If they do well, I take pride in their well-doing.
If they rise, I rise with them.
If they stay inert, I share their slothfulness.
My soul spoke to me and said, “The lantern which you carry is not yours, and the song that you sing was not composed within your heart, for even if you bear the light, you are not the light, and even if you are a lute fastened with strings, you are not the lute player."
My soul preached to me, my brother, and taught me much. And your soul has preached and taught as much to you. For you and I are one, and there is no variance between us save that I urgently declare that which is in my inner self, while you keep as a secret that which is within you.
But in your secrecy, there is a sort of virtue
...
...
Youth is a wonderful dream, the glow of which the books sprinkle with blinding dust.
Will there ever come a day when the wise will combine the joy of knowledge with youthful dreams?
Will the day come when Nature will become man's teacher, humanity his book, and life his school?
The joyful purpose of youth cannot be fulfilled until that day comes.
Our walk towards spiritual ascension is too slow because we use too little youthful zeal.
...
...
Vision
"The sea never sleeps, and its vigil gives comfort to the sleepless soul."
A few steps from the ghost, I paused as if held back by a magical force.
At that moment one of the ghosts stood up and in a voice that rose from the depths of the sea said:
Life without love is like a tree that does not bloom and does not bear fruit.
And love without beauty is like flowers without fragrance and fruits without seeds ... life, love, and beauty are three persons in one, and they cannot be separated or changed.
Another ghost spoke and in a voice that roared like a waterfall and said:
“Life without rebellion is like a year without spring. And rebellion without justice is like flying in a hot desert ... life, rebellion, and justice are a trinity that cannot be changed or split.
Then the third apparition spoke, in a voice like thunder:
"Life without freedom is like a body without a soul, and freedom without thoughts is like a confused spirit ... life, freedom and thought are a trinity, eternal and imperishable."
Then the three forts rose together and in a fearful voice said aloud:
˝What love conceives,
What rebellion creates,
What freedom gives birth to,
There are three manifestations of God.
And God is the mind
of this World.˝
...
...
Who are you Earth, and what are you?
You are ˝Me˝ the Earth!
You are my sight and my discernment.
You are my knowledge and my dream.
You are my hunger and thirst.
You are my joy and pain.
You are my carelessness and vigilance.
You are the beauty that lives in my eyes, the longing in my heart, the eternal life in my soul.
You are ˝Me˝, Earth.
If my being wasn't,
You wouldn't be either.
...
...
March 1, 2012
In this miscellaneous collection, it seems like Gibran sees the world in Platonic ideals and some sort of Eastern-like union with perfection. One of his voices says that God is the expression of an intelligent universe. Gibran comments on the science of evolution and says that ideal beings evolve and that through "Reason" (as a principle of evolution) "men are raised above themselves and can approach the sublime."
If one is not inclined toward this perspective, the writing can be a slog. Some of this comes across as nice or profound-sounding words strung together, but empty (e.g., "Like sheep without a shepherd we flocked together many nights grazing on our thoughts, and chewing the cud of our emotions...."). Some of this might lie in the translation. Yet, it's not that easy to dismiss Gibran. There are some good stories in this collection that resonate (Martha, the orphan, turned beautiful, tasted love, died as a prostitute in squalid circumstances. Or, in "the speechless animal," a dog comments on man's lack of loyalty). All in all, a mixed feeling about this book.
If one is not inclined toward this perspective, the writing can be a slog. Some of this comes across as nice or profound-sounding words strung together, but empty (e.g., "Like sheep without a shepherd we flocked together many nights grazing on our thoughts, and chewing the cud of our emotions...."). Some of this might lie in the translation. Yet, it's not that easy to dismiss Gibran. There are some good stories in this collection that resonate (Martha, the orphan, turned beautiful, tasted love, died as a prostitute in squalid circumstances. Or, in "the speechless animal," a dog comments on man's lack of loyalty). All in all, a mixed feeling about this book.
January 12, 2016
This book was recommended to me by a friend, and it was completely different from anything I've read before. My first wholly philosophcal book, so to say. And it was a very interesting experience, one I'd even go as far as saying everybody should give a try.
The thoughts themselves were quite interesting and quotable - 'Those who do not spend their days in the land of dreams are slaves of time' is something I, as a bookworm, can absolutely support - though I think the topic of love was a bit overvalued. I think (or at least hope) it's perfectly possible to life a happy and fulfilling life even if you never find a romantic partner. On top of that, it annoyed me how much talk of 'virgins' there was - but I guess one can't expect anything different from a 19th-20th century author. (I think the concept that a young woman is less desirable because she has had sex is very stupid, especially when it's considered 'manly' for young men to have sex as often as possible. One doesn't have to be a mathematician to figure out the flaw in that worldview...)
The thoughts themselves were quite interesting and quotable - 'Those who do not spend their days in the land of dreams are slaves of time' is something I, as a bookworm, can absolutely support - though I think the topic of love was a bit overvalued. I think (or at least hope) it's perfectly possible to life a happy and fulfilling life even if you never find a romantic partner. On top of that, it annoyed me how much talk of 'virgins' there was - but I guess one can't expect anything different from a 19th-20th century author. (I think the concept that a young woman is less desirable because she has had sex is very stupid, especially when it's considered 'manly' for young men to have sex as often as possible. One doesn't have to be a mathematician to figure out the flaw in that worldview...)
December 23, 2007
From "My Soul Preached To Me":
My soul preached to me and said, "Do not be delighted because of praise, and do not be distressed because of blame."
Ere my soul counselled me, I doubted the worth of my work.
Now I realize that the trees blossom in Spring and bear fruit in Summer without seeking praise; and they drop their leaves in Autumn and become naked in Winter without fearing blame.
My soul preached to me and showed me that I am neither more than the pygmy, nor less than the giant.
Ere my soul preached to me, I looked upon humanity as two men: one weak, whom I pitied, and the other strong, whom I followed or resisted in defiance.
But now I have learned that I was as both are and made from the same elements. ...
My soul preached to me and said, "Do not be delighted because of praise, and do not be distressed because of blame."
Ere my soul counselled me, I doubted the worth of my work.
Now I realize that the trees blossom in Spring and bear fruit in Summer without seeking praise; and they drop their leaves in Autumn and become naked in Winter without fearing blame.
My soul preached to me and showed me that I am neither more than the pygmy, nor less than the giant.
Ere my soul preached to me, I looked upon humanity as two men: one weak, whom I pitied, and the other strong, whom I followed or resisted in defiance.
But now I have learned that I was as both are and made from the same elements. ...
November 29, 2014
Aphorisms,individual accounts,short stories on a number of ideas,events and historical facts by one of the greatest writer who emerged from the levant in the last century.I wonder how much his heart would ache to see the conditions there in the modern times under Islamic State.
From stories involving old gods of love from Classical antiquity of Assyria and relating it to modern arab kingdoms, to thoughts about his contemporary arab society and also life in those regions on the eastern seaboard to the Mediterranean ocean.
From stories involving old gods of love from Classical antiquity of Assyria and relating it to modern arab kingdoms, to thoughts about his contemporary arab society and also life in those regions on the eastern seaboard to the Mediterranean ocean.
January 10, 2016
I devoured this book, which I both regret and not regret. It's meaty, and I will have to read it again. But it was also my first real exposure to Gibran, and I fell in love with the lyricism. Blame it on NRE, I guess.
December 18, 2009
It's pretty hard to go wrong with Gibran.
July 28, 2010
I read this over and over - Every month or so I pull it off the shelf and open up to any page at random....it always leads me to contemplation
September 26, 2013
Full of stories and poems that are tragic, romantic, fantastic and everything in between. He is fast become a favourite author.
October 8, 2013
I never was a big fan of poetry, but there is such beauty in the words of this great writer that each word touchs gently my soul.
Read
November 16, 2015Good!
June 28, 2007
I actually have the hardcover of this.
July 17, 2012
Be still my heart...
September 4, 2014
I love the lyrical rhythm of his words. Though I like some of his other books better.
January 6, 2023
I found this in a cabin in rural Wisconsin of all places and read it. I liked it so much that I'm going to get my own copy. One of my favorites was "Under the Sun." In it Solomon (writer of Ecclesiastes) is called out for the words he left behind. "We miserable creatures have adhered to your earthly sayings as words of great wisdom. But they are shutters that darken the mind and obliterate hope." As someone raised with Christianity and with those words "All is vanity and striving after the wind," perpetually hammered into my head and not even realizing the kind of effect they've had on me, this was eye opening. As someone who doesn't even believe in the bible anymore, why do the words "There's nothing new under the sun" still echo through my brain?
June 27, 2021
this book :)) it's like a sweet smile with unconditional love with divine energy. it's soft, it's real, it's beautiful. it has everything from prose to poetry to critique, it touches or rather delves deeply as it floats in its methods into matters of social and cultural value, spiritual and transcendental ethics, love and other popular aspects of poetic thought. it's just incredible. the translation is quite tasteful and something to revel in. reminds me of a lover saying time flows by when i'm revelling in this with you. this book is a must read. its got everything. you need to trip in this. this is quite heavenly.
April 23, 2020
Reading the works of Kahlil Gibran breathes life to the parts of one's imagination and soul that was considered dormant or even non-existent. A charming and entertaining read where Gibran really gets to display his caliber and poise with the written word. There are some particular stories which feel like I have had a part of my soul itched by; it is a truly wonderful experience when you come to an end of a story and sit back and smile at the not only the sheer artistry and craft on display, but also at the rich and well-crafted short ideas. Feels like a meditative experience reading this book
January 16, 2023
Το τέταρτο βιβλίο του συγγραφέα που διαβάζω. Το ''Σκέψεις και Διαλογισμοί'', όπως και ''Ο Τρελός'', αποτελεί συλλογή μικρών ιστοριών και θα μπορούσαν πολύ εύκολα αυτά τα δύο βιβλία να συμπτυχθούν σε ένα. Γενικότερα, η γραφή του Γκιμπράν αποτελεί μία από τις πιο όμορφές που έχω διαβάσει, με το περιεχόμενο των ιστοριών του είναι εκτός από πολύ όμορφο, και διαχρονικό, αφού αντικατοπτρίζει πολλές φορές την σύγχρονη κοινωνία μας.
3,5/5
3,5/5
November 17, 2020
with the craziness of the election, I chose this as my 30th book of the year. It did not disappoint. I had never read Kahlil Gibran before this, and it won’t be my last. His writing style is so poetic and beautiful. I marked several quotes and passages. Probably one of my favorite reads so far. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 22, 2022
Los textos de Jalil Gibrán parecen haber envejecido de una manera extraña. Por un lado, saben, a veces, demasiado inocentes, demasiado obvios; por otro lado, algunos de ellos aún produjeron en mí cierta emoción profunda, a pesar, incluso, de esa sencillez de la que hablé al principio.
Entre estos textos podría señalar a Visión, La Tierra o En la oscuridad de la noche.
Entre estos textos podría señalar a Visión, La Tierra o En la oscuridad de la noche.
June 1, 2019
Written in classic Gibran language. Allegorical short stories, a few somewhat obscure to me as they are written mostly for people living in a different culture (Syrian and Lebanese). Not as moving as "The Prophet" or some of the other books he has written.
May 4, 2023
Gibran never disappoints you. What a wonderful read- each chapter is a new fable and the concepts deep, nature-tending, heavy and makes you smile in a way you do when you are simultaneously in awe and content with the world.
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