I would not have thee believe in what I say nor trust in what I do — for my words are naught but thy own thoughts in sound and my deeds thy own hopes in action.
KhalilRead
They say if one understands himself, he understands all people. But I say to you, when one loves people, he learns something about himself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Self-understanding is tied to understanding others, and love for others leads to self-discovery.
This quote emphasizes the relationship between self-awareness and interpersonal relationships. It suggests that while understanding oneself is crucial for comprehending humanity, it is through the act of loving others that we gain deeper insights into our own nature. By engaging with others through love, we reflect on our values, emotions, and identity, which ultimately enriches our understanding of ourselves.
Themes
Self-UnderstandingLovePeopleSelf-DiscoveryInterpersonal Relationships
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about empathy and compassion.
More from Khalil
All quotes →Some find Lebanese poet Kahlil Gibran’s poetry preachy and moralizing, but I find it plenty enlightening—it’s hard to object to the melodic, cosmic of mysticism of a line like ‘That which sings and contemplates in you is still dwelling within the bounds of that first moment which scattered the stars into space.’
KhalilRead
I am the infinite sea, and all worlds are but grains of sand upon my shore.
KhalilRead
The seasons shall tire and the years grow old, ere they exhaust these words: “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.
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Love possesses not nor would it be possessed; For love is sufficient unto love. And think not you can direct the course of love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course. Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself.
KhalilRead
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