Currently reading "The Greatest Works of Kahlil Gibran: Twelve Books in One Omnibus Edition". Am trying to manage to digest this 400-odd pages omnibus in 1 week! *fingers crossed*
One story that struck me to be true was this story from Book Two: THE WANDERER (HIS PARABLES AND HIS SAYINGS)
THE MADMAN
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 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 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 answered, “Oh, you are one of those who live in the madhouse on the other side of the wall.”
* * *
For once, the grass is greener on your side. Remember, be yourself and don't conform!
