I prefer to be a dreamer among the humblest, with visions to be realized, than lord among those without dreams and desires.
It is not the sap within the furrowed bark, nor a wing attached to a claw, But rather a garden forever in bloom and a flock of angels forever in flight.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that true essence lies beyond physical forms and limitations, representing an eternal beauty and spiritual existence.
Khalil Gibran's quote emphasizes that the true essence of life isn't found in physical attributes or limitations, such as the sap in bark or a clawed wing; rather, it is embodied in the beauty of nature and the ethereal qualities of spirituality, represented by a flourishing garden and a flock of angels. This contrast invites reflection on the deeper, more meaningful aspects of existence, urging us to look beyond the superficial to appreciate the perpetual beauty and hope found in life.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of looking inward for happiness.
More from Khalil Gibran
All quotes →Be patient, for it is from doubt that knowledge is born.
Doubt is a pain too lonely to know that faith is his twin brother.
God made Truth with many doors to welcome every believer who knocks on them.
Happiness is a vine that takes root and grows within the heart, never outside it.
Solitude has soft, silky hands, but with strong fingers it grasps the heart and makes it ache with sorrow.
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Live near to God, and so all things will appear to you little In comparison to eternal realities.
Take away the danger and remove the restraint, and wayward nature runs free.
We cannot do justice to the deeds of former times if we do not in some degree remove ourselves from the circumstances in which we stand and substitute those by which the real actors were surrounded.
If ever I said in grief or pride, I'd tired of honest things, I lied.
The body can't distinguish between cleansing and punishing for the body is ignorant, and mute besides.