The Wisdom of Gibran: Aphorisms and Maxims

The Wisdom Series

by Kahlil Gibran, Joseph Sheban (Editor)

An A-to-Z guide to the mystic poet’s maxims and aphorisms 

An early twentieth-century Lebanese-American writer, Khalil Gibran instilled his poetry and art with his experiences in both the East and West. This selection of quotes, maxims, and aphorisms is drawn from such poems as “Secrets of the Heart,” “Spirits Rebellious,” and “Broken Wings,” as well as from his autobiography and essays. Gibran’s words express a strong spirituality and mysticism and his voice offers a direct and at times optimistic view of the brotherhood of man. Addressing everything from love and death to Jesus, motherhood, and nature, Gibran’s wisdom remains thought provoking and inspirational. 

Genres: Philosophy, Poetry, Spirituality

112 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 1966

About the author

Kahlil 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.

Reviews

[Jeanette (Ms. Feisty)]

"He who wishes to live in New York must be a sharp sword in a sheath of honey. The sword is to repel those who are desirous of killing time, and the honey is to satisfy their hunger."

[Literary Chic · Rating 5 out of 5]

In order to earn 5 stars from me, a book has to be one I’d reread. This short collection of Gibran’s wisdom will be reread and looked to for wisdom many times over I’m certain. If I had to pick a favorite quote from this, my first reading, it’d be - “Beauty is not in the face. Beauty is a light in the heart.”

A very good collection to add to any library.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's actually an A-Y guide. Sadly, Gibran's wisdom regarding zebras, zinc and Zeus will remain unrevealed.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book to read slowly to understand the meaning of Gibran's words. He is a combination philosopher and poet. When I was in graduate school, my classmates and I were very into reading the words of Gibran. He is very strongly against war, and the destruction it causes to the world and it's people. In this book different words are headlined, and then Gibran writes about the meanings of those words.

[Muhammad Murad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly inspiring words of Jibran-The Prophet of Lebanon. Loved his words to Tyrants, "You may chain my hands, you may shackle my feet; you may even throw me into a dark prison; but you shall not enslave my thinking, because it is free." It seems as if tyrants of world have taken Jibran's words gravely. Now, they are trying to enslave our generations by keeping them away from true and meaningful education.

[Timothy Riordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kahlil always slams. This one had a few great moments picked by someone. It’s just a book of random quotes.
Enjoyed reading a few each morning for a couple of months. One of my favorite quotes from the book

“Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.”

Beauty.

However before recommending this book, I would say instead read the prophet by Kahlil. That one is gold.

[Rusty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read The Prophet many years ago and enjoyed it which prompted me to pick up this one. The poetry of Kahlil Gibran dwells on many topics from love, longing, peace, ambition, death and many other subjects. Organized alphabetically, the reader can choose a topic, check the appropriate alphabetic section and read all the listed poems.

[mansi · Rating 3 out of 5]

…….. i’ll be back with my thoughts soon enough

[Gracia Revilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Gibran never fails to amaze me with his words.

[Garth Mailman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is collection of aphorisms gleaned out of context from various sources. Among other things the author has a disdain for organized religion and the ecclesiastical structures that support it. As with the book of Proverbs in the Bible, a little goes a long ways.

[Matthew Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved Gibran's thoughts on Jesus.

[Temple Dog · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wished that I liked aphorisms and maxims, but I did not experience the same quieting comfort from this collect than I did from The Prophet.

TD

[Liv · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.. The first time Gibran didn't inspire me.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little book, set up like a topical index, with quotes from various writings by Gibran according to topic. It can be used as a topical reference or a daily devotional.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the writing of Gibran. This is a great collection of his works.

[Tiare · Rating 3 out of 5]

The copy I read from my local library dates back to 1966. I didn’t necessarily love the alphabetical order of these quotes, but found a few treasures in there.