I prefer to be a dreamer among the humblest, with visions to be realized, than lord among those without dreams and desires.
Khalil GibranRead
A poet is a bird of unearthly excellence, who escapes from his celestial realm arrives in this world warbling. If we do not cherish him, he spreads his wings and flies back into his homeland.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A poet is a unique and extraordinary being whose artistry must be appreciated; otherwise, they will withdraw from the world.
In this quote, Khalil Gibran suggests that poets possess an exceptional talent and a transcendent quality, akin to divine beings. They bring beauty and wisdom to the world through their words, but their contributions are ephemeral; if society fails to recognize and value them, poets will retreat back into their ‘celestial realm,’ leaving the world poorer for it. Thus, it calls for a deep appreciation of the arts and those who create them.
Themes
PoetArtistryAppreciationBeautyTranscendence
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of art, one might quote this to emphasize the need for valuing poets and their contributions.
More from Khalil Gibran
All quotes →Be patient, for it is from doubt that knowledge is born.
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Doubt is a pain too lonely to know that faith is his twin brother.
Khalil GibranRead
God made Truth with many doors to welcome every believer who knocks on them.
Khalil GibranRead
Happiness is a vine that takes root and grows within the heart, never outside it.
Khalil GibranRead
Solitude has soft, silky hands, but with strong fingers it grasps the heart and makes it ache with sorrow.
Khalil GibranRead
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