The Prophet

Wisdom on Love, Work, and Life by Kahlil Gibran

About This Mind Map

Almustafa has lived in the city of Orphalese for twelve years. As his ship arrives to take him home, the people ask him to speak on the great themes of life: love, marriage, children, giving, work, joy and sorrow, freedom, friendship, time, and more. Gibran's poetic answers have inspired readers for a century.

THE PROPHET
Let there be spaces in your togetherness, and let the winds of the heavens dance between you.
THE TEACHINGS
Ch 1
The Coming of the Ship
Almustafa sees his ship in the mist. The seer Almitra asks him to speak before he leaves. So begins the Prophet's teaching—rooted in love and the unity of life.
3 Key Concepts
 Ch 2
On Love, Marriage & Children
Love gives not only the best but the best must be given for love. In marriage, let there be spaces. Your children are life's longing for itself—they come through you but not from you.
5 Key Concepts
 Ch 3
On Giving, Work & Joy & Sorrow
Give as the river gives. Work is love made visible. Joy and sorrow are inseparable—the deeper that sorrow carves, the more joy you can contain.
5 Key Concepts
 Ch 4
On Freedom, Reason & Passion
Freedom is the acceptance of necessity. Reason and passion are the rudder and sails of the soul—both are needed for the journey.
4 Key Concepts
 Ch 5
On Teaching, Friendship & Time
The teacher gives not of his wisdom but of his faith and lovingness. In friendship, let your best be for your friend. Yesterday is but today's memory; tomorrow is today's dream.
4 Key Concepts
 Ch 6
On Prayer, Beauty & Farewell
Prayer is the expansion of yourself into the living ether. Beauty is life when life unveils her holy face. The Prophet boards his ship—but his words remain.
4 Key Concepts

Core Teachings

  • Love — Give your heart but not possession; let there be spaces in your togetherness.
  • Children — They are life's longing for itself; you may give them your love but not your thoughts.
  • Work — Work is love made visible when you work with love.
  • Joy and sorrow — They are inseparable; sorrow carves the cup that holds joy.