Why Every Adult Should Read “The Little Prince”, Again
Remember "The Little Prince"? That charming little book with the yellow cover, often found gathering dust on childhood bookshelves? You might recall the story of a little boy who lived on a tiny planet, tending to his rose and wandering the universe. But here’s the thing—if you read it as a kid, you probably missed the point. The beauty of "The Little Prince" is that it’s one of those rare books that grows with you. What seemed like a cute story when you were 10 suddenly becomes a profound life lesson when you’re 30, 40, or even 80. So, why not pick it up again? You might be surprised at what you find.
The Little Prince is a timeless tale about a young prince who travels from planet to planet, meeting quirky inhabitants and learning valuable life lessons. Through his encounters, he explores themes of love, loneliness, and the importance of seeing with the heart. The story is narrated by a stranded pilot who meets the prince in the Sahara Desert, where they form a deep bond. As the prince shares his adventures, the tale reveals profound insights about the human condition.
Why “The Little Prince” Speaks to the Grown-Up Heart
Life has a funny way of turning us into those very grown-ups that “The Little Prince” gently pokes fun at. We often find ourselves entangled in the complexities of life—work, relationships, and responsibilities that can cloud our sense of wonder.. But here’s the good news: this little book is like a guide for finding your way back to what’s important. It’s a wake-up call wrapped in a fairy tale—a reminder that there’s more to life than meets the eye.
Lessons That Stick with You
Cherish Your Connections
“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” Remember that line? As adults, we get so caught up in the hustle that we often forget to look deeper. We judge people by their job titles, bank balances, or appearances, but “The Little Prince” reminds us to dig deeper. What really matters can’t be seen—it’s felt.
Reevaluate What You’re Chasing
Throughout his journey, the Little Prince encounters adults who are consumed by things that seem important but ultimately are empty. The king who rules over nothing, the businessman who counts stars as if they’re money—they’re all symbolic of the things we chase in our own lives that don’t bring us real happiness. This story encourages us to pause and think about what we’re really working towards and if it’s truly worth our time.
Embrace the Fleeting Beauty of Life
The Little Prince’s journey is full of goodbyes—each one a reminder that nothing lasts forever. But instead of getting all melancholy, the story encourages us to appreciate the beauty in life’s fleeting moments. It’s like when you’re at an amazing concert, knowing the night’s going to end, but loving every second of it anyway. That’s the vibe “The Little Prince” wants you to embrace.
Did You Know? The Story Behind the Story
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was not just a writer but also an aviator, and his experiences in the air greatly influenced “The Little Prince.” In fact, the story was written during World War II, when Saint-Exupéry was living in exile in the United States. The book’s themes of loneliness, longing, and the search for meaning reflect the author’s own struggles during a tumultuous time in history. Understanding this context adds a deeper layer of meaning to the story, making it even more relevant for readers today who may be navigating their own personal or global challenges.
How to Channel Your Inner Little Prince in Everyday Life
Take a Mindfulness Break
The Little Prince is all about noticing the little things—whether it’s a sunset, a simple flower, or the sound of laughter. In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with notifications and deadlines, this story encourages us to slow down and actually enjoy the moment. It’s like a little reminder to stop and smell the roses—literally and figuratively.
Redefine Success, Your Way
The characters in “The Little Prince” are obsessed with power, money, and control, but they’re all kind of miserable. The book subtly suggests that maybe success isn’t about how much you have but about how much you enjoy your life. So next time you’re stressing over hitting that next milestone, remember to ask yourself: Is this really what I want, or am I just doing it because everyone else is?
Embrace Your Inner Child
The story’s biggest takeaway might just be the reminder that it’s okay to keep a little bit of that childlike wonder alive. Whether it’s through creativity, curiosity, or just taking a moment to marvel at something beautiful, “The Little Prince” reminds us that adulthood doesn’t have to be all serious business.
Some Fun Facts
- The Little Prince’s home, planet B-612, is inspired by a real asteroid. The rose on the planet symbolizes Saint-Exupéry’s wife, Consuelo.
- The Little Prince is one of the most translated books, available in over 300 languages, and has sold over 140 million copies worldwide.
- Saint-Exupéry not only wrote the story but also created the iconic watercolor illustrations that are inseparable from the book’s charm.
- The Little Prince is still under copyright because of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's honored status in France. His estate benefits from extended protection, lasting until 2039 in the U.S. and 2044 in France.
- Initially, many reviewers were puzzled by The Little Prince, unsure whether it was intended as a children's book or an adult fairy tale.
It’s surprising how a story that seems simple can offer so much insight later in life. Revisiting it can reveal surprisingly deep lessons. After the whirlwind of recent years, reconnecting with our inner child might be just what we need.
