The Madman | Khalil Gibran Poem

Here's a wonderful parable by the great Khalil Gibran taken from The Wanderer (His Parables and Poems).

The Madman reflects the human condition, representing various aspects of the human experience, such as the struggle for self-discovery, the search for meaning in life, and the triumph of the human spirit. Khalil Gibran encourages readers to question societal norms and to live a life true to themselves.

You can just enjoy this wonderful writing or meditate on these profound words on solitude and find strength, solace, and wisdom. And that it may deepen your insight.

Gibran Khalil Gibran (January 6, 1883 – April 10, 1931), usually referred to in English as Kahlil Gibran, was a Lebanese-American writer, poet, and visual artist in the Sufi / Christian mystic tradition. His most famous work is ‘The Prophet’

Photo by Collins Lesulie

Transcript

It was in the garden of a madhouse that I met a youth with a face pale and lovely,

And full of wonder.

And I sat beside him upon the bench,

And I said,

Why are you here?

And he looked at me in astonishment,

And he said,

It is an unseemly question,

Yet I will answer you.

My father would make of me a reproduction of himself.

So also would my uncle.

My mother would have me the image of her illustrious father.

My sister would hold up her seafaring husband as the perfect example for me to follow.

My brother thinks I should be like him,

A fine athlete.

And my teachers also,

The doctor of philosophy and the music master and the logician,

They too were determined,

And each would have me but a reflection of his own face in a mirror.

Therefore I came to this place.

I find it more sane here.

At least I can be myself.

Then all of a sudden he turned to me,

And he said,

But tell me,

Were you also driven to this place by education and good counsel?

And I answered,

No,

I am a visitor.

And he said,

Oh,

You are one of those who live in the madhouse on the other side of the wall.