Quotes from 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.

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.

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

Even while the Earth sleeps we travel.

You often say, "I would give, but only to the deserving." The trees in your orchard say not so, nor the flocks in your pasture. They give that they may live, for to withhold is to perish.

Trust in dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.

Half of what I say is meaningless; but I say it so that the other half may reach you.

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

Our pain carves out a larger space for love to fill.

Love is the gentle smile upon the lips of beauty.

Life has two halves: one patient and one afire. Love is the fiery half. Make me, O Lord, food for the flames.

Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.

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

Love is a sacred mystery. To those who love, it remains forever wordless; But to those who do not love, it may be but a heartless jest.

...unless the exchange be in love and kindly justice, it will but lead some to greed and others to hunger.

A minute moving among the patterns of beauty and the dreams of love is greater and more precious than an age filled with splendor granted by the weak to the strong.

For love is sufficient unto love.

And is not time even as love is, undivided and paceless?

Limited love asks for possession of the beloved, but the unlimited asks only for itself.

Love has the power that dispels death; charm that conquers the enemy.

I would tell you more of Him, but how shall I? When love becomes vast love becomes wordless. And when memory is overladen it seeks the silent deep.

In battling evil, excess is good; for he who is moderate in announcing the truth is presenting half-truth. He conceals the other half out of fear of people's wrath.

A woman whom Providence has provided with beauty of spirit and body is a truth, at the same time both open and secret, which we can understand only by love, and touch only by virtue.

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