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105 Meaningful Quotes By Khalil Gibran

Famous As: Artist
Born On: January 6, 1883
Died On: April 10, 1931
Born In: Bsharri, Lebanon
Died At Age: 48
Khalil Gibran was a prolific Lebanese writer, visual artist and poet. While he was young he moved to United States with his family and enrolled himself to study art. He then kick-started his literary career and wrote in Arabic as well as English. He is considered as a literary and political rebel in the Arab world. His thoughts, writings and works broke the shackles of classical school. He is celebrated as a literary hero in Lebanon. He was a part of the ‘New York Pen League’ and renowned for his book ‘The Prophet’ in the English-speaking world. We have rounded some popular, inspiring, enlightening and motivating quotes and sayings by Khalil Gibran which have been gathered from the vast see of his magical writings, poems, thoughts, books, passages, other works and life. Take a look at the famous quotes and thoughts by Khalil Gibran that beautifully describe pain, love, life and everything in between.
The obvious is that which is never seen until someone expresses it simply.

The obvious is that which is never seen until someone expresses it simply.

Khalil Gibran
If the grandfather of the grandfather of Jesus had known what was hidden within him, he would have stood humble and awe-struck before his soul.

If the grandfather of the grandfather of Jesus had known what was hidden within him, he would have stood humble and awe-struck before his soul.

Khalil Gibran
Most people who ask for advice from others have already resolved to act as it pleases them.

Most people who ask for advice from others have already resolved to act as it pleases them.

Khalil Gibran
Poverty is a veil that obscures the face of greatness. An appeal is a mask covering the face of tribulation.

Poverty is a veil that obscures the face of greatness. An appeal is a mask covering the face of tribulation.

Khalil Gibran
Where is the justice of political power if it executes the murderer and jails the plunderer, and then itself marches upon neighboring lands, killing thousands and pillaging the very hills?

Where is the justice of political power if it executes the murderer and jails the plunderer, and then itself marches upon neighboring lands, killing thousands and pillaging the very hills?

Khalil Gibran
Time has been transformed, and we have changed; it has advanced and set us in motion; it has unveiled its face, inspiring us with bewilderment and exhilaration.

Time has been transformed, and we have changed; it has advanced and set us in motion; it has unveiled its face, inspiring us with bewilderment and exhilaration.

Khalil Gibran
What is this world that is hastening me toward I know not what, viewing me with contempt?

What is this world that is hastening me toward I know not what, viewing me with contempt?

Khalil Gibran
Pain and foolishness lead to great bliss and complete knowledge, for Eternal Wisdom created nothing under the sun in vain.

Pain and foolishness lead to great bliss and complete knowledge, for Eternal Wisdom created nothing under the sun in vain.

Khalil Gibran
Nor shall derision prove powerful against those who listen to humanity or those who follow in the footsteps of divinity, for they shall live forever. Forever.

Nor shall derision prove powerful against those who listen to humanity or those who follow in the footsteps of divinity, for they shall live forever. Forever.

Khalil Gibran
What difference is there between us, save a restless dream that follows my soul but fears to come near you?

What difference is there between us, save a restless dream that follows my soul but fears to come near you?

Khalil Gibran
The lust for comfort, that stealthy thing that enters the house a guest, and then becomes a host, and then a master.

The lust for comfort, that stealthy thing that enters the house a guest, and then becomes a host, and then a master.

Khalil Gibran
Wisdom stands at the turn in the road and calls upon us publicly, but we consider it false and despise its adherents.

Wisdom stands at the turn in the road and calls upon us publicly, but we consider it false and despise its adherents.

Khalil Gibran
Many a doctrine is like a window pane. We see truth through it but it divides us from truth.

Many a doctrine is like a window pane. We see truth through it but it divides us from truth.

Khalil Gibran
If my survival caused another to perish, then death would be sweeter and more beloved.

If my survival caused another to perish, then death would be sweeter and more beloved.

Khalil Gibran
Would that I were a dry well, and that the people tossed stones into me, for that would be easier than to be a spring of flowing water that the thirsty pass by, and from which they avoid drinking.

Would that I were a dry well, and that the people tossed stones into me, for that would be easier than to be a spring of flowing water that the thirsty pass by, and from which they avoid drinking.

Khalil Gibran
If you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work.

If you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work.

Khalil Gibran
Coming generations will learn equality from poverty, and love from woes.

Coming generations will learn equality from poverty, and love from woes.

Khalil Gibran
Much of your pain is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self.

Much of your pain is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self.

Khalil Gibran
Knowledge of the self is the mother of all knowledge. So it is incumbent on me to know my self, to know it completely, to know its minutiae, its characteristics, its subtleties, and its very atoms.

Knowledge of the self is the mother of all knowledge. So it is incumbent on me to know my self, to know it completely, to know its minutiae, its characteristics, its subtleties, and its very atoms.

Khalil Gibran
The person you consider ignorant and insignificant is the one who came from God, that he might learn bliss from grief and knowledge from gloom.

The person you consider ignorant and insignificant is the one who came from God, that he might learn bliss from grief and knowledge from gloom.

Khalil Gibran
When you work you are a flute through whose heart the whispering of the hours turns to music. Which of you would be a reed, dumb and silent, when all else sings together in unison?

When you work you are a flute through whose heart the whispering of the hours turns to music. Which of you would be a reed, dumb and silent, when all else sings together in unison?

Khalil Gibran
You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.

You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.

Khalil Gibran
Poetry is a deal of joy and pain and wonder, with a dash of the dictionary.

Poetry is a deal of joy and pain and wonder, with a dash of the dictionary.

Khalil Gibran
When love beckons to you, follow him, Though his ways are hard and steep. And when his wings enfold you yield to him, Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.

When love beckons to you, follow him, Though his ways are hard and steep. And when his wings enfold you yield to him, Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.

Khalil Gibran
Art is a step from what is obvious and well-known toward what is arcane and concealed.

Art is a step from what is obvious and well-known toward what is arcane and concealed.

Khalil Gibran
They consider me to have sharp and penetrating vision because I see them through the mesh of a sieve.

They consider me to have sharp and penetrating vision because I see them through the mesh of a sieve.

Khalil Gibran
When we turn to one another for counsel we reduce the number of our enemies.

When we turn to one another for counsel we reduce the number of our enemies.

Khalil Gibran
Death most resembles a prophet who is without honor in his own land or a poet who is a stranger among his people.

Death most resembles a prophet who is without honor in his own land or a poet who is a stranger among his people.

Khalil Gibran
Hallow the body as a temple to comeliness and sanctify the heart as a sacrifice to love; love recompenses the adorers.

Hallow the body as a temple to comeliness and sanctify the heart as a sacrifice to love; love recompenses the adorers.

Khalil Gibran
You have your ideology and I have mine.

You have your ideology and I have mine.

Khalil Gibran
Say not, 'I have found the truth,' but rather, 'I have found a truth.'

Say not, 'I have found the truth,' but rather, 'I have found a truth.'

Khalil Gibran
I wash my hands of those who imagine chattering to be knowledge, silence to be ignorance, and affection to be art.

I wash my hands of those who imagine chattering to be knowledge, silence to be ignorance, and affection to be art.

Khalil Gibran
Love possesses not nor will it be possessed, for love is sufficient unto love.

Love possesses not nor will it be possessed, for love is sufficient unto love.

Khalil Gibran
Wisdom ceases to be wisdom when it becomes too proud to weep, too grave to laugh, and too selfish to seek other than itself.

Wisdom ceases to be wisdom when it becomes too proud to weep, too grave to laugh, and too selfish to seek other than itself.

Khalil Gibran
The just is close to the people's heart, but the merciful is close to the heart of God.

The just is close to the people's heart, but the merciful is close to the heart of God.

Khalil Gibran
Faith is an oasis in the heart which will never be reached by the caravan of thinking.

Faith is an oasis in the heart which will never be reached by the caravan of thinking.

Khalil Gibran
Are you a politician asking what your country can do for you or a zealous one asking what you can do for your country? If you are the first, then you are a parasite; if the second, then you are an oasis in the desert.

Are you a politician asking what your country can do for you or a zealous one asking what you can do for your country? If you are the first, then you are a parasite; if the second, then you are an oasis in the desert.

Khalil Gibran
Work is love made visible. And if you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work and sit at the gate of the temple and take alms of those who work with joy.

Work is love made visible. And if you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work and sit at the gate of the temple and take alms of those who work with joy.

Khalil Gibran
The most pitiful among men is he who turns his dreams into silver and gold.

The most pitiful among men is he who turns his dreams into silver and gold.

Khalil Gibran
You pray in your distress and in your need; would that you might also pray in the fullness of your joy and in your days of abundance.

You pray in your distress and in your need; would that you might also pray in the fullness of your joy and in your days of abundance.

Khalil Gibran
A little knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle.

A little knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle.

Khalil Gibran
Perplexity is the beginning of knowledge.

Perplexity is the beginning of knowledge.

Khalil Gibran
Rebellion without truth is like spring in a bleak, arid desert.

Rebellion without truth is like spring in a bleak, arid desert.

Khalil Gibran
No man can reveal to you nothing but that which already lies half-asleep in the dawning of your knowledge.

No man can reveal to you nothing but that which already lies half-asleep in the dawning of your knowledge.

Khalil Gibran
All that spirits desire, spirits attain.

All that spirits desire, spirits attain.

Khalil Gibran
Exaggeration is truth that has lost its temper.

Exaggeration is truth that has lost its temper.

Khalil Gibran
Advance, and never halt, for advancing is perfection. Advance and do not fear the thorns in the path, for they draw only corrupt blood.

Advance, and never halt, for advancing is perfection. Advance and do not fear the thorns in the path, for they draw only corrupt blood.

Khalil Gibran
Knowledge cultivates your seeds and does not sow in your seeds.

Knowledge cultivates your seeds and does not sow in your seeds.

Khalil Gibran
The eye of a human being is a microscope, which makes the world seem bigger than it really is.

The eye of a human being is a microscope, which makes the world seem bigger than it really is.

Khalil Gibran
Of life's two chief prizes, beauty and truth, I found the first in a loving heart and the second in a laborer's hand.

Of life's two chief prizes, beauty and truth, I found the first in a loving heart and the second in a laborer's hand.

Khalil Gibran
Zeal is a volcano, the peak of which the grass of indecisiveness does not grow.

Zeal is a volcano, the peak of which the grass of indecisiveness does not grow.

Khalil Gibran
I existed from all eternity and, behold, I am here; and I shall exist till the end of time, for my being has no end.

I existed from all eternity and, behold, I am here; and I shall exist till the end of time, for my being has no end.

Khalil Gibran
If the other person injures you, you may forget the injury; but if you injure him you will always remember.

If the other person injures you, you may forget the injury; but if you injure him you will always remember.

Khalil Gibran
Generosity is not giving me that which I need more than you do, but it is giving me that which you need more than I do.

Generosity is not giving me that which I need more than you do, but it is giving me that which you need more than I do.

Khalil Gibran
Love is trembling happiness.

Love is trembling happiness.

Khalil Gibran
Let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.

Let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.

Khalil Gibran
Safeguarding the rights of others is the most noble and beautiful end of a human being.

Safeguarding the rights of others is the most noble and beautiful end of a human being.

Khalil Gibran
Love... it surrounds every being and extends slowly to embrace all that shall be.

Love... it surrounds every being and extends slowly to embrace all that shall be.

Khalil Gibran
All our words are but crumbs that fall down from the feast of the mind.

All our words are but crumbs that fall down from the feast of the mind.

Khalil Gibran
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.

When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.

Khalil Gibran
Love and doubt have never been on speaking terms.

Love and doubt have never been on speaking terms.

Khalil Gibran
Your friend is your needs answered.

Your friend is your needs answered.

Khalil Gibran
And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.

And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.

Khalil Gibran
Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.

Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.

Khalil Gibran
Yesterday we obeyed kings and bent our necks before emperors. But today we kneel only to truth, follow only beauty, and obey only love.

Yesterday we obeyed kings and bent our necks before emperors. But today we kneel only to truth, follow only beauty, and obey only love.

Khalil Gibran
To be able to look back upon ones life in satisfaction, is to live twice.

To be able to look back upon ones life in satisfaction, is to live twice.

Khalil Gibran
To understand the heart and mind of a person, look not at what he has already achieved, but at what he aspires to.

To understand the heart and mind of a person, look not at what he has already achieved, but at what he aspires to.

Khalil Gibran
Life without liberty is like a body without spirit.

Life without liberty is like a body without spirit.

Khalil Gibran
The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind.

The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind.

Khalil Gibran
Love one another, but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.

Love one another, but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.

Khalil Gibran
A friend who is far away is sometimes much nearer than one who is at hand. Is not the mountain far more awe-inspiring and more clearly visible to one passing through the valley than to those who inhabit the mountain?

A friend who is far away is sometimes much nearer than one who is at hand. Is not the mountain far more awe-inspiring and more clearly visible to one passing through the valley than to those who inhabit the mountain?

Khalil Gibran
March on. Do not tarry. To go forward is to move toward perfection. March on, and fear not the thorns, or the sharp stones on life's path.

March on. Do not tarry. To go forward is to move toward perfection. March on, and fear not the thorns, or the sharp stones on life's path.

Khalil Gibran
I prefer to be a dreamer among the humblest, with visions to be realized, than lord among those without dreams and desires.

I prefer to be a dreamer among the humblest, with visions to be realized, than lord among those without dreams and desires.

Khalil Gibran
If in the twilight of memory we should meet once more, we shall speak again together and you shall sing to me a deeper song.

If in the twilight of memory we should meet once more, we shall speak again together and you shall sing to me a deeper song.

Khalil Gibran
Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing. And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb. And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing. And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb. And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

Khalil Gibran
Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.

Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.

Khalil Gibran
Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.

Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.

Khalil Gibran
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

Khalil Gibran
Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself. They came through you but not from you and though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself. They came through you but not from you and though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

Khalil Gibran
Your daily life is your temple and your religion. When you enter into it take with you your all.

Your daily life is your temple and your religion. When you enter into it take with you your all.

Khalil Gibran
And ever has it been known that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.

And ever has it been known that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.

Khalil Gibran
Sadness is but a wall between two gardens.

Sadness is but a wall between two gardens.

Khalil Gibran
We choose our joys and sorrows long before we experience them.

We choose our joys and sorrows long before we experience them.

Khalil Gibran
If you reveal your secrets to the wind, you should not blame the wind for revealing them to the trees.

If you reveal your secrets to the wind, you should not blame the wind for revealing them to the trees.

Khalil Gibran
Truth is a deep kindness that teaches us to be content in our everyday life and share with the people the same happiness.

Truth is a deep kindness that teaches us to be content in our everyday life and share with the people the same happiness.

Khalil Gibran
Doubt is a pain too lonely to know that faith is his twin brother.

Doubt is a pain too lonely to know that faith is his twin brother.

Khalil Gibran
Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.

Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.

Khalil Gibran
Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror.

Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror.

Khalil Gibran
I have learned silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet, strange, I am ungrateful to those teachers.

I have learned silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet, strange, I am ungrateful to those teachers.

Khalil Gibran
Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need.

Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need.

Khalil Gibran
If your heart is a volcano, how shall you expect flowers to bloom?

If your heart is a volcano, how shall you expect flowers to bloom?

Khalil Gibran
Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be.

Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be.

Khalil Gibran
If you love somebody, let them go, for if they return, they were always yours. And if they don't, they never were.

If you love somebody, let them go, for if they return, they were always yours. And if they don't, they never were.

Khalil Gibran
Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit.

Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit.

Khalil Gibran
I love you when you bow in your mosque, kneel in your temple, pray in your church. For you and I are sons of one religion, and it is the spirit.

I love you when you bow in your mosque, kneel in your temple, pray in your church. For you and I are sons of one religion, and it is the spirit.

Khalil Gibran
Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.

Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.

Khalil Gibran
But let there be spaces in your togetherness and let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another but make not a bond of love: let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.

But let there be spaces in your togetherness and let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another but make not a bond of love: let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.

Khalil Gibran
In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.

In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.

Khalil Gibran
Yesterday is but today's memory, and tomorrow is today's dream.

Yesterday is but today's memory, and tomorrow is today's dream.

Khalil Gibran
Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.

Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.

Khalil Gibran
For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.

For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.

Khalil Gibran
There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.

There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.

Khalil Gibran