El Profeta
8.46 / 10 340K ratings
Classic- Language
- Spanish
- Published
- 2001
- Publisher
- Lumen PR
- Pages
- 80
- ISBN
- 9789870000976
Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet offers a collection of poetic essays that delve into the depths of the human experience. First published in 1923, this work presents the insights of the prophet Almustafa, who, on the eve of his departure from the city of Orphalese after twelve years of exile, shares his wisdom with its inhabitants. His reflections cover fundamental aspects of life, including love, marriage, children, work, joy and sorrow, freedom, and death.
Through its distinctive, elevated language and universal themes, The Prophet transcends cultural and religious boundaries, providing guidance that speaks to the core of human existence. It encourages readers to explore personal growth, self-discovery, and the interconnectedness of all things, offering a perspective that transforms everyday experiences into profound spiritual reflections. This enduring classic invites readers to contemplate the balance of emotions, the nature of relationships, and the pursuit of meaning, resonating with those seeking deeper understanding and connection in their lives.
Through its distinctive, elevated language and universal themes, The Prophet transcends cultural and religious boundaries, providing guidance that speaks to the core of human existence. It encourages readers to explore personal growth, self-discovery, and the interconnectedness of all things, offering a perspective that transforms everyday experiences into profound spiritual reflections. This enduring classic invites readers to contemplate the balance of emotions, the nature of relationships, and the pursuit of meaning, resonating with those seeking deeper understanding and connection in their lives.
- Genres
- Fiction › Thriller & suspenseFiction › Speculative fiction › Fantasy › Epic fantasyFiction › Crime & mystery › Detective fictionFiction › Literary fiction › Psychological fictionFiction › Myths & folk tales › Fairy tales
- Mood
- Inspiring
- Where and when
- Middle East United States Antiquity Middle Ages
Original edition
ProphetOriginally published in 1971 English Random House Trade
Other editions (1181)
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
Almustafa, the chosen and beloved prophet, had dwelled in the city of Orphalese for twelve years, his spirit a solitary quest amidst its bustling life. When at last he espied his ship, a vessel from his homeland, emerging through the mists, a bittersweet longing filled him. He rejoiced at the prospect of return, yet a pang of sorrow touched his heart for the city he was about to leave, a place where he had known both suffering and profound connection.
As he made his way to the ship, the people of Orphalese gathered around him, their hearts heavy with his impending departure. They pleaded with him to share his wisdom one last time, to speak of the truths he had gleaned during his sojourn among them. And so, Almustafa stood before them, his voice a gentle current, ready to impart his insights on the myriad facets of human existence.
He spoke first of love, not as a possession, but as a boundless force that both crowns and crucifies, prunes and cultivates. Love, he explained, binds souls while honoring their individuality, a transformative power that must flow freely, for it knows not its own depths until the hour of separation. Of marriage, he taught that it is an eternal bond of souls, yet one that thrives only when there is ample space for individuality, like the pillars of a temple standing apart, supporting the same roof. Children, he revealed, are not truly our own, but the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself, entrusted to our care, their souls belonging to tomorrow.
His discourse flowed onward, touching upon the dignity of work, not as mere drudgery, but as love made visible, a means of expressing one's deepest self. He unveiled the intimate dance of joy and sorrow, explaining that they are inseparable, two sides of the same truth, for the deeper sorrow carves into one's being, the more joy one can contain. Pain, he said, is but the breaking of the shell that encloses understanding.
Almustafa then guided them through the complexities of laws and the illusion of freedom, suggesting that true liberty lies not in the absence of chains, but in the mastery of one's inner self. He spoke of reason and passion as the rudder and sails of the soul, both essential for navigation, urging harmony between them rather than conflict. On friendship, he emphasized mutual growth and honest counsel, a communion for the deepening of the spirit.
He spoke of houses as extensions of the body, clothes as adornments to the self, and buying and selling as a dance of exchange where hearts should meet. He pondered crime and punishment, urging compassionate understanding over punitive justice. He shared thoughts on eating and drinking, talking and silence, time, and the elusive nature of self-knowledge, encouraging a return to simplicity and a connection with the natural world.
Finally, Almustafa turned to beauty, not as a fleeting outward form, but as the radiance of the inner self, and to religion, as the unfolding of the divine within. He concluded with the ultimate mystery: death. He likened it not to an end, but to an entrance to the eternal, a rejoining of the divine order, as the river joins the sea. With these profound words, Almustafa completed his farewell, leaving the people of Orphalese with a timeless tapestry of wisdom, a spiritual roadmap for navigating the complexities and wonders of life itself.
As he made his way to the ship, the people of Orphalese gathered around him, their hearts heavy with his impending departure. They pleaded with him to share his wisdom one last time, to speak of the truths he had gleaned during his sojourn among them. And so, Almustafa stood before them, his voice a gentle current, ready to impart his insights on the myriad facets of human existence.
He spoke first of love, not as a possession, but as a boundless force that both crowns and crucifies, prunes and cultivates. Love, he explained, binds souls while honoring their individuality, a transformative power that must flow freely, for it knows not its own depths until the hour of separation. Of marriage, he taught that it is an eternal bond of souls, yet one that thrives only when there is ample space for individuality, like the pillars of a temple standing apart, supporting the same roof. Children, he revealed, are not truly our own, but the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself, entrusted to our care, their souls belonging to tomorrow.
His discourse flowed onward, touching upon the dignity of work, not as mere drudgery, but as love made visible, a means of expressing one's deepest self. He unveiled the intimate dance of joy and sorrow, explaining that they are inseparable, two sides of the same truth, for the deeper sorrow carves into one's being, the more joy one can contain. Pain, he said, is but the breaking of the shell that encloses understanding.
Almustafa then guided them through the complexities of laws and the illusion of freedom, suggesting that true liberty lies not in the absence of chains, but in the mastery of one's inner self. He spoke of reason and passion as the rudder and sails of the soul, both essential for navigation, urging harmony between them rather than conflict. On friendship, he emphasized mutual growth and honest counsel, a communion for the deepening of the spirit.
He spoke of houses as extensions of the body, clothes as adornments to the self, and buying and selling as a dance of exchange where hearts should meet. He pondered crime and punishment, urging compassionate understanding over punitive justice. He shared thoughts on eating and drinking, talking and silence, time, and the elusive nature of self-knowledge, encouraging a return to simplicity and a connection with the natural world.
Finally, Almustafa turned to beauty, not as a fleeting outward form, but as the radiance of the inner self, and to religion, as the unfolding of the divine within. He concluded with the ultimate mystery: death. He likened it not to an end, but to an entrance to the eternal, a rejoining of the divine order, as the river joins the sea. With these profound words, Almustafa completed his farewell, leaving the people of Orphalese with a timeless tapestry of wisdom, a spiritual roadmap for navigating the complexities and wonders of life itself.
What other readers say
Liked
The graphic novel adaptation of The Prophet is widely celebrated for its absolutely stunning artwork and illustrations. Reviewers consistently praise how the visuals beautifully complement Kahlil Gibran's classic text, transforming nearly every page into a piece of art and making the words come alive. Many highlight the gorgeous and meaningful images of animals, which effectively illustrate deeper philosophical concepts. A significant positive for many readers is the addition of a modern narrative, featuring a woman caring for her ailing parent. This new storyline is frequently lauded for grounding the original poetry, making it more relatable, accessible, and providing a contemporary framework that helps readers connect with the timeless questions explored in the book.
Disliked
However, some reviewers found aspects of the original text to be pretentious, overly flowery, or even "mumbo jumbo," with certain passages proving difficult to connect with due to a style reminiscent of religious scripture. While the new narrative was a strength for many, a minority of readers considered it unnecessary or even a manipulation of the original work, feeling it detracted from Gibran's words resonating independently. A few readers also expressed a lukewarm response to the artwork, describing it as inconsistent or merely "okay." Additionally, the contemplative nature of Gibran's poetry meant that some found the typical fast pace of graphic novels ill-suited, suggesting a slower, more deliberate reading approach.
In short
Overall, this graphic novel is largely presented as a beautiful and moving reinterpretation of Kahlil Gibran's classic work. It successfully blends the original poetic text with striking visuals and a relatable contemporary story, offering a fresh and engaging perspective. This adaptation is particularly recommended for readers who are new to The Prophet and might find the original text intimidating, serving as an excellent and accessible introduction. It also appeals to long-time fans looking to re-experience the work in a visually rich and emotionally resonant format, or anyone seeking a contemplative read that combines timeless wisdom with striking artistry.
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