Kahlil Gibran

Kahlil Gibran 1913

-F. Holland Day- MET DP264342

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Khali Gibran

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Mary Haskell by Kahlil Gibran

Plaque Gibran Khalil Gibran, 14 avenue du Maine, Paris 15e

Kahlil Gibran (January 6, 1883 – April 10, 1931) was a Lebanese-American writer, poet, visual artist, and philosopher. He is best known for his book The Prophet, a series of philosophical essays written in poetic English prose. Gibran's work is renowned for its fusion of Eastern and Western spiritualities, exploring themes of love, freedom, and the human condition. His writings have been translated into over 100 languages, making him one of the most translated authors in history.

Biography

Kahlil Gibran was born in the town of Bsharri, in modern-day Lebanon, then part of Ottoman Empire, to a Maronite Catholic family. The cultural and religious diversity of his homeland was a significant influence on his future works. In 1895, Gibran's mother emigrated with her children to the United States, settling in Boston's South End. The early exposure to the rich cultural mosaic of Boston, along with his family's background, deeply influenced Gibran's worldview and artistic expressions.

Gibran received his early education in Boston before returning to Lebanon in 1898, where he studied at a Maronite-run preparatory school and later at the Collège de la Sagesse in Beirut. Returning to Boston in 1903, he began his artistic career, writing in both English and Arabic. Throughout his life, Gibran maintained a close relationship with Mary Haskell, a school headmistress who became his patron and editor. Haskell's support was instrumental in Gibran's development as a writer and artist.

Literary Work

Gibran's early works were written in Arabic and were primarily poetic and philosophical texts. His first book, Nubthah fi Fan Al-Musiqa (A Tear and A Smile), was published in 1906. However, it was his English works, particularly The Prophet (1923), that garnered international acclaim. The Prophet is a collection of 26 poetic essays, and its themes of love, marriage, work, freedom, and death resonate with readers worldwide. Gibran's other notable English works include The Madman (1918) and The Earth Gods (1931).

Philosophy and Influence

Gibran's philosophy was a blend of Eastern and Western ideologies, drawing heavily from Christianity, Islam, Sufism, and theosophy, as well as the works of William Blake and Friedrich Nietzsche. His writings emphasize the unity of humanity, the beauty of nature, and the spiritual value of love and freedom. Gibran's influence extends beyond literature; his works have inspired musical compositions, operas, and films, and his philosophical ideas have been cited by leaders and thinkers around the globe.

Legacy

Kahlil Gibran died in New York City in 1931, at the age of 48, from cirrhosis of the liver and tuberculosis. His final resting place is in his hometown of Bsharri, in a monastery that has been transformed into the Gibran Museum. Today, Gibran is celebrated as a literary and philosophical giant, with his works continuing to inspire millions. The Kahlil Gibran Memorial Garden in Washington, D.C., is a testament to his impact on American culture and his universal message of peace and unity.

Selected Bibliography

• The Madman (1918)
• The Forerunner (1920)
• The Prophet (1923)
• Sand and Foam (1926)
• Jesus, The Son of Man (1928)
• The Earth Gods (1931)