The Little Prince has been translated into more than 180 different languages, and it has been read by children, adults, atheists and religious people throughout history. Its popularity resides in the fact that it is more than a children’s tale. The story of an adventurous boy invites people to analyze their true nature.
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry worked as a commercial aviator and then as a war pilot. During his many trips, he met people from different religions, cultures, and with opposing ideologies. Nevertheless, they shared something more powerful: Love.
He lived in a context of war and despair. Men fought each other to prove their power, and established empires of hatred. However, in the middle of this destruction, he showed us a light at the end of the tunnel through an inspiring narrative.
The Little Prince reminds us of the innocence that should prevail within ourselves. These are 10 lessons we learned from his book and that we should practice in our daily life.
“(…) what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
Like the first commandment on the Bible, this advice invites us to remember the true value of things. It’s not about money or power, it’s about the experiences that are invisible to the eye of the beholder. The kindness of a person, a friendly embrace, and a passionate kiss are weapons against hate.
Value simplicity.
Before being trapped in a world of consumerism, we were innocent children. We were happy just by playing with a cardboard box or chasing butterflies. Adults need to be reminded of the simple things in life.
You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.
“(…) I have no need of you. And you, on your part, have no need of me. (…) But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world.”
Self criticism.
“It is far more difficult to judge oneself than to judge others. If you succeed in judging yourself rightly, then indeed you are very wise.”
Appreciate the love that’s been given to you.
During his adventures, The little prince cherishes the memories he shared with his rose.
“She cast her fragrance and her radiance over me. I ought never to have run away from her… I ought to have guessed all the affection that lay behind her poor little stratagems. Flowers are so inconsistent! But I was too young to know how to love her…”
“Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.”
Love is not the act of seeing the beauty of another person. Love is sharing a common goal, facing challenges together, and building a life with someone you can rely on.
Money distracts you from seeing beauty.
“I know a planet where there is a certain red-faced gentleman. He has never smelled a flower. He has never looked at a star. He has never loved any one. He has never done anything in his life but add up figures. And all day he says over and over, just like you: ‘I am busy with matters of consequence!’ And that makes him swell up with pride. But he is not a man- he is a mushroom!”
Love people for who they are, not their possessions.
“Grown-ups like numbers. When you tell them about a new friend, they never ask questions about what really matters. They never ask: “What does his voice sound like?” “What games does he like best?” “Does he collect butterflies?”. They ask: “How old is he?” “How many brothers does he have?” “How much does he weigh?” “How much money does his father make?” Only then do they think they know him.”
Money doesn’t buy happiness.
Illustration by Rodrigo Luján
The Little Prince cannot understand how is it possible for the Business Man to possess stars, and having something that cannot be enjoyed by him. There are things that cannot be owned because they belong to the world.
All actions have consequences.
Illustration by Maximiliano Dallo
Our decisions transform not only our reality, they have an impact in the world. Whatever we do can come back to haunt us.
” (…) nothing in the universe can be the same if somewhere, we do not know where, a sheep that we never saw has–yes or no?–eaten a rose (…) Look up at the sky. Ask yourselves: is it yes or no? Has the sheep eaten the flower? And you will see how everything changes…”
Always see through the eyes of the heart
