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The Prophet Audiobook
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(4.59) - 132 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Kahlil Gibran—poet, philosopher, and artist—was born in Lebanon in 1883 but spent his final twenty years of life living in the United States. The three books that compose this audiobook are collections of Gibran's aphorisms, parables, and poetic essays.
The first book, The Prophet, was originally published in 1923 and is considered Gibran's masterpiece. It is written in prose poetry in twenty-eight parts, and deals with such topics as love, freedom, good and evil, religion, and death. It is a mystical and intensely subjective work, presenting the human soul as essentially noble and good.
In The Forerunner, originally published in 1920, Gibran asserts that "nobody is to be blamed for our 'being' and 'having' but ourselves." Gibran makes it clear that we are our own destiny and not the toy of a blind fate.
Finally, the titular entity of The Madman, originally published in 1918, is not literally mentally unbalanced; on the contrary, he is perfectly healthy. His madness is only in the eyes of others. Gibran asserts that we tend to be what society expects from us, even though these expectations could be detrimental for the development of our self-identity. Oftentimes, we veil our true selves with masks out of fear of being ridiculed by others.
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"To those who approach it as a religious treatise, I understand why The Prophet falls short, but that's not what it is. I was prepared for pantheistic drivel and philosophical nothings that were enveloped in trite language that poses as inspiration. That's how The Prophet has been presented to me, so I went in with very low expectations, curious about an important cultural work but nothing more. Instead, I found a moving and pretty work that I enjoyed immensely and will return to again. Poetry lends itself to being philosophy, and if I can't agree completely with everything written, I'm okay with that. The passages on Joy and Sorrow in particular made it worth the read for me."
— Teresa (4 out of 5 stars)
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“Free of dogma, free of power structures and metaphysics, consider these poetic, moving aphorisms a twentieth-century supplement to all sacred traditions—as millions of other readers already have.”
— Amazon.com, editorial review
Awards
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A BookRiot Pick of Best Audiobooks under Three Hours
The Prophet Listener Reviews
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" Best book I've ever read. "
— David, 2/17/2014 -
" Twenty or thirty years later, it is still an excellent read. Since I was sending a copy to a friend in Berlin, I quickly read the book through front to back, which is not the way to handle this tiny gem. Each section needs to be pondered, examined, respected. I think I'd better get myself my own personal copy and enjoy the luxury of contemplating Mr. Gibran's reflections concerning this adventure called life. "
— Jan, 2/15/2014 -
" The Prophet adalah sebuah buku karya dari Khalil Gibran yg sangat bagus. Belum pernah sepanjang hidup ku menemukan karya tulisan sebaik dan sebagus Khali Gibran. Kata2 nya begitu indah, makna nya begitu agung dari setiap kata2 nya. Membuat kita merenung dalam akan arti hidup dan kehidupan, Tuhan, cinta dan kasih sayang. Buku ini masih tetap menjadi nomor satu buat aku diantara ribuan buku yg telah aku baca. Bahkan kata2 dalam buku ini menjadi acuan atau rujukan buat aku dalam menulis puisi yg indah sampai saat ini. "
— Heru, 2/7/2014 -
" Beautiful verse, good for the soul! "
— Liz, 2/1/2014 -
" This is a MUST read book, I've read it more than once and enjoyed it every time "
— Emma, 1/31/2014 -
" I was given this book by a wise, charming and seductive older man when I was around 16. I loved it then, and I love it now! I gave my copy to my daughter when she married in 2008. I have since brought copies for a few special friends, I adore Gibran's simple beautiful words and meanings. "
— Deborah, 1/28/2014 -
" This book was given to me as a gift in high school in 1966 by a young woman far more spiritual than I at the time. I must confess that over the years I have pulled it from the shelves many times and have been comforted immensely. "
— Susan, 1/12/2014 -
" I really love this book. This is the first book by Kahlil Gibran that i have read. This short but elegant masterpiece is a beautiful allegory that reminded me of the teachings and doctrines of several religions such as Christianity, Buddhism, Sufism, Islam and others. I have learned a lot from reading The Prophet. The language is poetic and ethereal. It's definitely food for the soul. I especially lover the part about Love. I really felt the talent and genius of Kahlil Gibran in this book and it made me want to collect all his works. I highly recommend this book to people who want to read something intellectual and yet also inspiring and tender. "
— Mirvan, 1/6/2014 -
" Shares timeless wisdom, a really beautiful book. I enjoyed reading it before bed as its thoughts were very calming and peaceful. "
— Karla, 1/2/2014 -
" Another favourite. I dip into my copy from time to time. It can be read from cover to cover or dipped into with such good effect its like a chocolate coating on an ice cream. "
— Gienkies, 1/1/2014 -
" A book of good poetry! "
— Junior, 12/30/2013 -
" Can't count the number of times I have read this one! Love it every time! "
— Cristy, 12/24/2013 -
" Everyone in the world should be required to read this book! "
— Kevin, 12/12/2013 -
" Gibran has an ageless quality of understanding the person, timeless truth, complete humane. "
— Karima, 12/4/2013 -
" It has been on my auntie's bookshelf for so long. I only grab it to take a look at it. I ended up reading the whole book that day. I even remember few quotes from this book til this day. I read it about 7 years ago or so. "
— Lydia, 11/20/2013 -
" I read this in my early 20's and find I need to read again. Living life allows you to relate to and understand the author's intentions and insights. Many new authors refer to WISDOM from this book. "
— Cindy, 11/13/2013 -
" Wonderful and thought provoking. Worth meditating on much that is said. I often go back and re-read it or sections as I feel moved to do. "
— Rosie, 11/3/2013 -
" Kahlil Gibran speaks the Truth my Heart has not had the words for. Incredible. "
— Mamie, 10/11/2013 -
" Read this when I was 16, and loved it very much! It has "aged" a little! "
— Claudia, 10/8/2013 -
" this used to be my favorite book so i give it 5 stars. now i like carl opel's book. same kind of format, better ideas "
— Monica, 10/5/2013 -
" Perhaps profound and seemly important to one who has not yet lived life. "
— Dennis, 10/4/2013 -
" read it a while back and enjoyed it. Should read it again soon. "
— Ellen, 9/22/2013 -
" Deeply spiritual and calming. This is a book to be kept and re-read over and over. Each time you'll glean something new from it. "
— Christine, 9/17/2013 -
" Some beautiful poetry. [Collectors Edition 1924] "
— Christopher, 8/26/2013 -
" One of the most profound and wise books I've ever read. I read a passage from it as often as I can "
— Mikael, 5/30/2013 -
" Timeless advice that is in every religion's sacred Holy book. Don't take the writings too literally, instead, read the book with an open mind for it'll open your heart and reveal your soul. "
— Sukhbir, 3/3/2013 -
" The book you MUST read before you die. "
— Nor, 1/26/2013 -
" The book you MUST read before you die. "
— Nor, 1/1/2013 -
" A special book given to me by my French grandmother. She loved it.....special to me. "
— Denise, 4/19/2012 -
" One of my favorite books! "
— Meia, 3/2/2012 -
" A story for the ages. "
— Bo, 2/17/2012 -
" Read it at a time in my life when I needed to read it. "
— Susan, 12/29/2011 -
" Not as expected.. it is either i did not touch it, or it did not touch me... "
— Muhamad, 10/24/2011 -
" Sometimes we needed to be reminded to just KISS life. Keep It Simple Stupid. "
— Melba, 9/22/2011 -
" One of my all time favorite books. I re-read it from time to time, it is so beautifully written and I find myself turning to it during hard times. Very comforting and soothing. His writing style is almost lyrical. "
— Laura, 8/26/2011 -
" One of my favourite authors! This book is like honey to the soul! "
— Marulé, 7/28/2011 -
" I have read this book many times and shared excerpts with others. "
— Stacy, 7/27/2011 -
" i buy a copy every time i see one at the thrift store. i love it. :) "
— Carrie, 6/11/2011 -
" Beautifuly written and thought provoking insight on life. "
— Naomi, 5/21/2011 -
" Beautifuly written and thought provoking insight on life. "
— Naomi, 5/21/2011 -
" Beautifuly written and thought provoking insight on life. "
— Naomi, 5/21/2011 -
" I really liked it; a lot of depth in a small book. But what's up with the antequated language? Maybe some people find that inspiring because it's reminiscent of the King James Bible, but I just find it a bit pretention. "
— Melanie, 5/17/2011 -
" I really liked it; a lot of depth in a small book. But what's up with the antequated language? Maybe some people find that inspiring because it's reminiscent of the King James Bible, but I just find it a bit pretention. "
— Melanie, 5/17/2011 -
" I really liked it; a lot of depth in a small book. But what's up with the antequated language? Maybe some people find that inspiring because it's reminiscent of the King James Bible, but I just find it a bit pretention. "
— Melanie, 5/17/2011 -
" This is a book that I was given by a friend who always carried a spare copy with her to give to others. It's a profound look at the basic philosophies of life that you re-read again and again. It's not long, but will have to coming back to read it on a yearly basis. "
— Adrienne, 5/15/2011 -
" This is a book that I was given by a friend who always carried a spare copy with her to give to others. It's a profound look at the basic philosophies of life that you re-read again and again. It's not long, but will have to coming back to read it on a yearly basis. "
— Adrienne, 5/15/2011 -
" This is a book that I was given by a friend who always carried a spare copy with her to give to others. It's a profound look at the basic philosophies of life that you re-read again and again. It's not long, but will have to coming back to read it on a yearly basis. "
— Adrienne, 5/15/2011 -
" One of my preferred books, from time to time I re- read some chapter and start thinking about the lesson "
— Dorin, 5/7/2011 -
" One of my preferred books, from time to time I re- read some chapter and start thinking about the lesson "
— Dorin, 5/7/2011 -
" One of my preferred books, from time to time I re- read some chapter and start thinking about the lesson "
— Dorin, 5/7/2011 -
" The first time I read this I found that it inspired me to be present. It is a constant reminder of our significance on earth. It has been close at hand and will always be a truly inspirational force of great wisdom. "
— David, 5/6/2011 -
" The first time I read this I found that it inspired me to be present. It is a constant reminder of our significance on earth. It has been close at hand and will always be a truly inspirational force of great wisdom. "
— David, 5/6/2011 -
" The first time I read this I found that it inspired me to be present. It is a constant reminder of our significance on earth. It has been close at hand and will always be a truly inspirational force of great wisdom. "
— David, 5/6/2011 -
" One of those books I've read many, many times, and I've given this out as gifts. It has reached me on many levels, spiritually and with wisdom. "
— Stuart, 5/4/2011 -
" One of those books I've read many, many times, and I've given this out as gifts. It has reached me on many levels, spiritually and with wisdom. "
— Stuart, 5/4/2011 -
" One of those books I've read many, many times, and I've given this out as gifts. It has reached me on many levels, spiritually and with wisdom. "
— Stuart, 5/4/2011 -
" Everyone should read this. So much wisdom. "
— Mimi, 5/1/2011 -
" Everyone should read this. So much wisdom. "
— Mimi, 5/1/2011 -
" Everyone should read this. So much wisdom. "
— Mimi, 5/1/2011 -
" Just re-read this book, actually. Although I'm not really into poetry, and especially the abstract kind, I really enjoy a lot of the thoughts and insight shared in some of the subjects touched upon in The Prophet. Something I think I will read again from time to time.. "
— Bonnie, 4/29/2011 -
" Just re-read this book, actually. Although I'm not really into poetry, and especially the abstract kind, I really enjoy a lot of the thoughts and insight shared in some of the subjects touched upon in The Prophet. Something I think I will read again from time to time.. "
— Bonnie, 4/29/2011 -
" Just re-read this book, actually. Although I'm not really into poetry, and especially the abstract kind, I really enjoy a lot of the thoughts and insight shared in some of the subjects touched upon in The Prophet. Something I think I will read again from time to time.. "
— Bonnie, 4/29/2011 -
" This book is only 82 pages. It should be read by everyone at least once a month. "
— Lee, 4/19/2011 -
" This book is only 82 pages. It should be read by everyone at least once a month. "
— Lee, 4/19/2011 -
" This book is only 82 pages. It should be read by everyone at least once a month. "
— Lee, 4/19/2011
About Kahlil Gibran
Khalil Gibran (1883–1931) was a Lebanese artist, poet, and writer. Born in the town of Bsharri in the north of modern-day Lebanon, as a young man he immigrated with his family to the United States, where he studied art and began his literary career, writing in both English and Arabic. Chiefly known for his 1923 book of essays, The Prophet he is the third best-selling poet of all time after Shakespeare and Laozi.
About Jonathan Reese
Jonathan Reese was trained from an early age in music and theater. Of his many credits he was proudest of being a founding member of Berkeley’s Straw Hat review. Formidably intelligent, deeply sympathetic, and highly sensitive to his material, he was perfectly suited for literary narration.