Advices from Prophet written by Kahlil Gibran

Lebanese-born writer and painter Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931) mostly pursued his artistic career in the U.S. "The Prophet," a collection of poetry essays on 26 topics such as love, work and friendship, was quite popular in Korea and it was easy to find this book in a bookcase of those who went to college in the 1970s and 1980s. Statistics tell us that since its publication in 1923, more than 100 million copies of "The Prophet" were sold around the world, making it the second best-selling book after the Bible.

"The Prophet" has been born again as an animated film. The animation written and directed by Roger Allers, the director of Disney`s The Lion King, is due for release in the U.S. in August. Emmy award-winning actress Salma Hayek drew attention by attending its premiere held in Lebanon’s capital Beirut last week. The Mexican actress first encountered this book through her grandfather from Lebanon and got deeply touched by it. Hayek is the co-producer of this animation and also performed voice work along with Oscar-nominated actor Liam Neeson. Hayek reportedly produced this film for her 7-year-old daughter, whom she has with her husband, an heir of the super-rich French family that owns luxury brand Gucci.

The family month May has just begun with the Golden Week. "The Prophet" that contains wisdom and lessons for universal questions in our lives has some parts for children. "You may house their bodies but not their souls. For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams. You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you." This is the quote of wisdom that parents of these days who think children as their belongings must meditate upon.

Advices for marriage are also insightful. "Fill each other’s cup, but drink not from one cup. Give one another of your bread, but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each of you be alone, Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music." Those who are bad off may not welcome a series of red-letter days in May, as the true meaning of those days has been tainted by consumption-oriented events such as giving gifts and having a nice meal at restaurant. We need to think about the original purpose of those days in May, which are for generous love that does not try to own or obsess the other. It is necessary to remember the genuine meaning of family in May.