The Prophet

Solitude is the profoundest fact of the human condition. Man is the only being who knows he is alone, and the only one who seeks out another. His nature -- if that word can be used in reference to man, who has "invented" himself by saying "No" to nature -- consists in his longing to realize himself in another. Man is nostalgia and a search for communion. Therefore, when he is aware of himself he is aware of his lack of another, that is, of his solitude.

on HN, 2010

But while it's quite brief, it covers all the big themes in life, and whether you agree with it or not it can give you a structure for thinking about them.

on HN, 2018

Beautifully written prose. A co-worker lend it to me and I kept it in my desk until I was clearing up before leaving the company. Decided to read it before giving it back to him... it had an impact on me (more compassionate and considerate).

on HN, 2015

Timeless themes written in beautiful prose: It's out of copyright (first published in 1923, so almost 100 years), someone has put a website together of each theme, here is one on work: http://www.katsandogz.com/onwork.html

on HN, 2019

The words might be mined for quotes, but when it is fresh, and when approached with an open mind, it's got a lot of wisdom.

on HN, 2018

It's been a life-changer since I'd read it some three years ago.

on HN, 2019

Along the same lines of somewhat spiritual books, "Siddartha" is a classic and also Khalil Gibran's "The Prophet".

on HN, 2022