I'm sorry that I waited so long to read this and will need to read it again many times. The original illustrations didn't add anything for me so maybe a different edition, also one without so many typographic errors.

A fascinating book, and it is likely to be one of the only books in the self-help genre that will make a lasting impact on me. The Prophet is not preachy and doesn't aim to be. Contrary to what some people might think, I don't feel this book prompts you to believe in a Supreme Power ™ - if you believe in it, Gibran would be happier, of course – but at one point, Gibran states that, at the risk of not paraphrasing – 'better to concentrate on people here rather than the God above'.
There's also an insane number of quotes spread about like diamonds – memorable examples of which include -
I teach you not silence, but rather a song not over-loud.
Not yet have I been caged by wisdom. Too young am I and too verdant to speak of aught but self.
The space between you and your neighbour unbefriended is greater than those between you and your beloved who dwells beyond seven lands and seven seas.
Call nothing ugly, my friend, save the fear of a soul in the presence of its memories.
I also loved that it's so short, and today's self-help books should learn a thing or two about editing from this one. The Prophet, in its essence, is a mishmash of inspirational quotes attributed to a fictional prophet, and it somehow works – and it doesn't look to have aged at all. ( )

Clearly, I didn't quite "get" this book. Essentially it is a book with a very minimalist story line whereby a prophet comments on many life issues i.e. love, happiness, anger, work, etc. etc. Each chapter provides insights on these life topics.

I actually quite like philosophy and have read and struggled with other philosophical texts, but this one just didn't grab ME personally. I didn't feel like I had many "ah ha" moments where I thought the author had this fabulous unique insight that I hadn't ever thought of before.

That being said, the language is lovely and definitely poetic. And there certainly is wisdom contained in the words. But I didn't feel totally compelled by it. I may try re-reading it, as it is blessedly short, just to make sure I didn't just miss something. ( )

Beautifully written (rings Biblical) and had many passages of considerable wisdom. [See binder] Not sure how well it’ll stick with me on the first read alone. Fairly optimistic and I think monadic? In-text drawings were whatever but I love the cover portrait. I recommend this to my friend Zac or anyone really. Short read. ( )

49th printing 1948