The Prophet: On Talking

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran - On Talking

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

“The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran is a revered esoteric classic, originally published in 1923. This book seamlessly blends poetry and philosophy, offering profound insights into the mysteries of the human soul. It tells the story of a beloved prophet bidding farewell to a place he holds dear, imparting heartfelt wisdom to its people.

In his eloquent speech, the prophet weaves words of love, friendship, and gratitude using poetic imagery to convey the delicate balance of togetherness, joy, and even the inevitability of pain and sorrow. Gibran’s wisdom, akin to the profound verses of Rumi, resonates deeply.

The poetic beauty of Gibran’s words serve as a precious gift, revealing profound truths about life, love, freedom, and the interconnectedness of all things. “The Prophet” possesses a transformative power that deeply resonates with seekers of esoteric knowledge, lighting the path for those in search of wisdom, and inviting readers to unlock their inner knowledge and embrace profound truths.

In “On Talking,” The Prophet reflects on the nuances of the spoken word, and focuses on the gravity of their impact. He speaks about the essence of true communication, where silence can often speak louder than words. The Prophet urges mindful expression, understanding that careless speech can often cloud truth. He envisions a world where words become bridges, not barriers. A place where integrity of word creates a harmonious flow of conversation that resonates with authenticity and depth.

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran - On Talking

On Talking

And then a scholar said, Speak of Talking.

And he answered, saying:

You talk when you cease to be at peace with your thoughts;
And when you can no longer dwell in the solitude of your heart you live in your lips, and sound is a diversion and a pastime.
And in much of your talking, thinking is half murdered.
For thought is a bird of space, that in a cage of words many indeed unfold its wings but cannot fly.

In much of your talking, thinking is half murdered.
For thought is a bird of space, that in a cage of words many indeed unfold its wings but cannot fly.


There are those among you who seek the talkative through fear of being alone.
The silence of aloneness reveals to their eyes their naked selves and they would escape.
And there are those who talk, and without knowledge or forethought reveal a truth which they themselves do not understand.
And there are those who have the truth within them, but they tell it not in words.
In the bosom of such as these the spirit dwells in rhythmic silence.


When you meet your friend on the roadside or in the market place, let the spirit in you move your lips and direct your tongue.
Let the voice within your voice speak to the ear of his ear;
For his soul will keep the truth of your heart as the taste of the wine is remembered
When the colour is forgotten and the vessel is no more.


Continue Reading The Prophet

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The Prophet PDF

A Scanned Copy of the 1923 printing of The Prophet can be read here

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The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran is widely considered to be a masterpiece of spiritual poetry. This book contains all twelve original drawings Gibran created specifically for The Prophet upon its first publication.

About the Author

Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931) was a Lebanese-American writer, poet, and a philosopher best known for his, The Prophet. Born to a Maronite-Christian family in a village occupied by Ottoman rule, Gibran and his family immigrated to the United States in 1895 in search of a better life. Studying art and literature, and inevitably ensconced in the world of political activism as a young man dealing with the ramifications of having to leave his home-land, Gibran hoped to make his living as an artist. With the weight of political and religious upheaval on his shoulders, Gibran’s work aimed to inspire a revolution of free though and artistic expression.

Gibran’s, The Prophet has become one of the best-selling books of all time, leaving behind a legacy of tremendous accolades and establishing him as both a literary rebel and hero in his country of Lebanon. Gibran is considered to be the third best-selling poet of all time, behind Shakespeare and Lao Tzu.

How Will You Harness The Wisdom of Sacred Stories?

We invite you to walk into a cosmic narrative in which we are all a unique element in each other’s story. Humanity has long used spiritual texts along with sacred stories and writings as a means to awakening the soul, share ancestral wisdom, and illuminate the many paths toward enlightenment.

What aspects of these sacred stories can serve you as you walk through your own Mystic Doorway?

What you have read is only the beginning…

Mystic Doorway is always gaining new insight about the many ways we can connect to universal truths through Sacred Writings. We look forward to sharing the many paths people have taken to connect with their inner wisdom throughout the ages. Check back with us soon to see what we’ve added to our Library.