“Beauty is not a need but an ecstasy.It is not a mouth thirsting nor an empty hand stretched forth,But rather a heart inflamed and a soul enchanted.It is not the image you would see nor the song you would hear,But rather an image you see though you close your eyes and a song you hear though you shut your ears.It is not the sap within the furrowed bark, nor a win attached to a claw,But rather a garden forever in bloom and a flock of angels forever in flight.Beauty is life when life unveils her holy face. But you are life and you are the veil.Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in the mirror.But you are eternity and you are the mirror.”
Quote Analysis
In this beautiful quote by Khalil Gibran, the poet explores the concept of beauty as something beyond mere physical appearance or sensory perception. Gibran suggests that beauty is not a superficial need, but rather an intense and profound experience that touches the depths of our being. He portrays beauty as a transcendent force that ignites the heart and enchants the soul. According to Gibran, beauty is not limited to external forms or sounds; it is a spiritual and eternal essence that permeates our existence. Through his poetic imagery, Gibran invites us to see beauty as a reflection of life itself, a sacred and timeless phenomenon that is intricately intertwined with our own existence. Ultimately, Gibran reminds us that beauty is not an external entity to be sought after, but a divine presence that is inherent within us, waiting to be discovered and embraced.
The Timeless Truth of Beauty
In this excerpt from Khalil Gibran's work, the concept of beauty is explored in a profound and poetic way. Gibran challenges the conventional definition of beauty as a mere physical attribute, highlighting its deeper, spiritual significance. This timeless perspective on beauty can be applied to our modern lives, reminding us that beauty is not just something we see or hear, but a profound experience that touches our soul and connects us to the eternal. Let us delve further into the modern relevance of Gibran's words.
Beauty is not just a superficial aspect of life, but a deep and transformative experience that can enrich our existence. It is a reminder that true beauty lies within us and in the world around us, waiting to be discovered and appreciated in all its forms. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it is essential to remember that beauty is not just a fleeting pleasure, but a source of joy and inspiration that can uplift our spirits and nourish our soul. So let us embrace the beauty that surrounds us, and strive to see eternity gazing back at us in the mirror of our existence.
Beauty as Described by Khalil Gibran
“Beauty is not a need but an ecstasy. It is not a mouth thirsting nor an empty hand stretched forth, But rather a heart inflamed and a soul enchanted. It is not the image you would see nor the song you would hear, But rather an image you see though you close your eyes and a song you hear though you shut your ears. It is not the sap within the furrowed bark, nor a win attached to a claw, But rather a garden forever in bloom and a flock of angels forever in flight. Beauty is life when life unveils her holy face. But you are life and you are the veil. Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in the mirror. But you are eternity and you are the mirror.” - Khalil Gibran
Reflection Questions:
Reflecting on the profound words of Khalil Gibran, consider the following questions to delve deeper into the concept of beauty and its connection to our existence and perceptions. Beauty is often considered subjective, yet Gibran's words suggest a deeper, more spiritual understanding of beauty. How does this perspective alter your own definition of beauty?
What do you believe Gibran means by stating that beauty is not a need but an ecstasy? How does this shift in perspective change the way we typically view and pursue beauty in our lives?
How does the idea of beauty being a heart inflamed and a soul enchanted resonate with you? In what ways do you experience beauty on a soulful level, beyond just its physical manifestations?
Gibran compares beauty to life unveiling her holy face and eternity gazing at itself in the mirror. What do you interpret from these metaphors about the interconnectedness of beauty, life, and eternity?
Consider the lines "But you are life and you are the veil" and "But you are eternity and you are the mirror." How does this notion of us embodying aspects of beauty, life, and eternity challenge your understanding of self and existence?
How can you incorporate Gibran's perspective on beauty into your daily life? How might shifting your perception of beauty enhance your appreciation for the world around you and your own inner being?
Similar quotes
“All these things have you said of beauty. Yet in truth you spoke not of her but of needs unsatisfied, And beauty is not a need but an ecstasy. It is not a mouth thirsting nor an empty hand stretched forth, But rather a heart enflamed and a soul enchanted. It is not the image you would see nor the song you would hear, But rather an image you see though you close your eyes and a song you hear though you shut your ears. It is not the sap within the furrowed bark, nor a wing attached to a claw, But rather a garden for ever in bloom and a flock of angels for ever in flight. People of Orphalese, beauty is life when life unveils her holy face. But you are life and you are the veil. Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror. But you are eternity and your are the mirror.”
“Beauty is life when life unveils her holy face. But you are life and you are the veil. Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror. But you are eternity and you are the mirror.”
“Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror.But you are eternity and you are the mirror.”
“I continue to marvel at the reluctancy of people to look into the mirror and see all the darkness that's within them: all the deceit, the dishonesty, the insincerity, the lack, the need, the want, the lies...they would rather look upon the mural of themselves that they've painted on the wall, and stare at that inanimate portrait of beauty, all the while telling themselves that it is the mirror image of them! This is a falsity, this is unreal! It is only when you turn to the unveiled mirror and bravely face your light and your darkness at once, that you will be able to see the true image of you! How can you pull the thorns from your skin if you are too afraid to open your eyes and look at them? You must open your eyes first, look at the thorns where they are piercing your flesh, and only then can you pull them out!”
“...you find your genius by looking in the mirror of your life. Your visible image shows your inner truth, so when you're estimating others, what you see is what you get. It therefore becomes critically important to see generously, or you will get only what you see; to see sharply, so that you discern the mix of traits rather than a generalized lump; and to see deeply into dark shadows, or else you will be deceived.”