The Little Prince-True Essence of Love

‘It is only with one’s heart that one can see clearly. What is essential is invisible to the eye.’ The author of the little prince used simple words from a pure child’s vision and several adorable drawings to illustrate the invisible ideas with the visible words. It was an extraordinary book from which I learned how to build an enduring relationship and to admire and cherish whom we love. Although unwilling, we would and should go back to the place where we belong, and, most importantly, to always stay young at heart.

The little prince is a book about a pilot who, due to his plane being damaged, was stuck in the middle of the Sahara Desert. He surprisingly met a little prince who was very pure and kind-hearted. The little prince introduced himself as a traveler who came from an extremely tiny planet. There was a vain, fickle, proud but extraordinarily enchanting rose who cast her fragrance and radiance over him. Although being fascinated, the little prince was too young to understand and express his love. Consequently, he decided to go on a journey, visiting planets to broaden his horizons. Through exploring, he met various grown-ups who had odd characteristics, but eventually, on Earth, he met a lovely fox that taught him the true essence of love and friendship. Gaining knowledge and wisdom, the little prince ultimately went back to his own planet, where there was his one and only unique rose waiting for his return.

What really makes the little prince remarkable is the way it portrays humanity. The pilot used several ironic words to describe adults. For instance, adults are sensitive when talking about bridge, golf, and politics. As the little prince began his journey, he discovered adults to be extraordinary and funny. Ironically enough, the grown-ups he discovered on the planets represent all mortal beings. For instance, the businessman who counted the stars continuously without resting appeared to be irrational and obstinate. However, this businessman was actually the portrayal of mortals who are realistic, snobbish, emotionless, and lack humanity. Furthermore, the lamplighter living in the tiniest planet of all was another typical example. He was always working without having any leisure time on account of the unchanging orders, although the rotation of the planet had increased considerably; similarly, the environment around us is forever changing. Hence, it is indeed necessary to also change our thoughts, attitudes, and expectations instead of being stubborn and opinionated. Contrary to these grown-ups, the little prince symbolizes innocence and wisdom. The author skillfully, with the words of the little prince, expounded his profound point of view and has been inspiring readers since 1943 when the book was first published.

What’s more, the word ‘tame’ interpreted by the fox is what sets the book apart from others as well. By means of making friends with the fox, the little prince gradually learned the true essence of love and friendship. As the fox stated, ‘To tame means to establish ties. If you tame me, we shall need one another.’ Love and friendship, the necessities of a fulfilling spirit, will only establish with effort, commitment, time, and patience. Only with these essential factors can we build a long-lasting and constant relationship and, at the same time, be responsible for what we have tamed. ‘Men have no more time to understand anything. They buy ready-made things in the shops. But since there are no shops where you can buy friends, men no longer have any friends.’ The relationships between people having gradually drifted apart, the author once again rationally remarks on the defect that mortals commonly have but generally disregard. In my eyes, it is only the warmth resulting from harmony and tolerance that can unite this divided world.

As a matter of fact, we all are the little prince arriving on Earth to travel, to visit, and to learn our lessons. ‘Death’ is just a method to leave this planet, and to return to the place where we belong. I sincerely hope that, at that moment of departure, we all are well-prepared, fully-harvested, and without regrets. In brief, the little prince is not merely a classic but a truly inspirational book.