I was strolling in the gardens of an insane asylum when I met a young man who was reading a philosophy book. His behavior and his evident good health made him stand out from the other inmates.
I sat down beside him and asked:
What are you doing here?
He looked at me, surprised. But seeing that I was not one of the doctors, he replied:
It’s very simple. My father, a brilliant lawyer, wanted me to be like him.
My uncle, who owns a large emporium, hoped I would follow his example.
My mother wanted me to be the image of her beloved father.
My sister always set her husband before me as an example of the successful man.
My brother tried to train me up to be a fine athlete like himself.
And the same thing happened at school, with the piano teacher and the English teacher — they were all convinced and determined that they were the best possible example to follow.
None of them looked at me as one should look at a man, but as if they were looking in a mirror.
So I decided to enter this asylum. At least here I can be myself.
Gosh, so much truth here. Here’s to being ourself
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Cheers 😊
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Brilliant!
Remind me of Gibran’s “The Other Language”
I put music to the text once:
>>> https://expret.org/2018/06/30/the-other-language/
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Well done, I liked your merge with Gibran. 🙂
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Thank you. You are in the U.S. right?
I was in Virginia visiting friends when I made the video. We were reading Gibran together at the time, so I felt inspired to put some of my favourite music to it, mixing 2 songs of an artist 😀
I did another Gibran, but have to upload.
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I still had the 2nd video in my video uploads. I added & renamed the post. I love “Said a Blade of Grass”.
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You’re welcome and yes I’m in the middle of the U.S. “You make such a noise falling! You scatter all my winter dreams.” Good poem. 🙂
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Yes, text really hitting it home. I made both and other videos (well, technically they are not videos…) with view to the Blueridge Mountains…
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How wonderful and wise is the writing of Khalil Gibran. His books are on my favourite bookshelf.
This piece from The Asylum teaches us a lot of what not to do to the young. Guide but not dictate.
The art above is stunning.
Miriam
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Thanks Miriam, I imagine he’s on a lot of favorite bookshelves. 🙂
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Such a profound truth about the unreal expectations and the peer pressure the society puts us through and we let them.
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So true, it does convey a good message.
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A very powerful statement here 🙂 And a very enjoyable read, I might add.
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Thank you M.B. 🙂
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Such a bittersweet story, Maverick. I’m half-amused and half-saddened by it. I guess that’s life!
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So true Gabriela, the bittersweet reality. C’est la vie.
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wow! Kahlil’s story has a punch to it. Love the art too
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Kahil’s good at that. Thank you. 🙂
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To being ourselves ~ a lot harder than it looks. Great story, I’d never heard Kahlil’s story before – and well matched with the art work. Enjoy your spring, Maverick!
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Thank you Randall, I wish you the same. Happy Spring!
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sounds crazy
but i can
relate 🙂
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Insane
but I am
the same 🙂
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I love the writing of Gibran. Thank you, lovely message here.
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Lovely comment Holly, thank you.
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Thank you Maverick!
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Wow! This post kind of exploded into my unenlightened world of unknown literary experiences. I feel like I’m the cat in the presence of the master wizard. He’s a bit extreme, but the idea is on point.
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Haha, that was great Olga. 🙂
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Loved this! A brilliant Gibran teaching and a lovely picture!!
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Thanks Tiny. 🙂
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