Seeing With the Heart: The Little Prince Story

Eyes are blind. You have to look with the heart.

"Open your heart, for eyes alone are blind," whispers a timeless truth. The essence of existence often eludes the gaze of the eyes, requiring a deeper sight—a sight illuminated by the heart.

It has been more than 30 years since I read the book, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

This book tells the story of a pilot stranded in the desert and a boy known as the Little Prince, who hails from a different planet, a tiny asteroid called B-612. The book dives into big themes like human nature, love, friendship, loneliness, and growing up.

One of the heartwarming tales in the book is about the Little Prince and his rose. He cares for this rose like it's his everything—watering it, protecting it from harm. The rose is special because it's the only one on his entire asteroid. Its uniqueness makes it more valuable than anything else. For the Little Prince, the rose isn't just beautiful; it's delicate and needs his care.

But things aren't all rosy. The rose's vanity and constant need for praise create problems between them. It shows how even the closest relationships can have their struggles when what one person wants clashes with what the other needs.

So, the Little Prince sets out on a journey to explore other planets, hoping to escape these problems and find answers. Yet, he carries memories of the rose with him. On his journey, he meets various characters who teach him important lessons about life and human nature. Through these experiences, he starts to understand what the rose truly means to him.

In the end, the Little Prince goes back to his asteroid, realizing that he loves his demanding rose despite her flaws. He learns that real love is about understanding and embracing imperfections.

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"The Little Prince" isn't just a story. It's a mirror reflecting society's quirks. As the Little Prince travels through the universe, he meets characters that mirror different roles, norms, and behaviors in our world. There's the King who craves obedience, the Businessman obsessed with wealth, and the Geographer who never explores—each a reminder of the human tendencies we see in ourselves and others.

Meeting characters like the King and the Lamplighter makes us think about power and responsibility. It's like holding up a mirror to how people use their authority and the consequences of their actions.

The book points out a big difference between the Little Prince and adults. His imagination knows no bounds, while grown-ups often get stuck in routine thinking. This is a nudge to us to keep our sense of wonder alive, to not lose touch with the joy of seeing the world through fresh eyes.

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The heart of the story is all about looking deeper. Seeing isn't just about what's in front of us; it's about connecting on a deeper level. This message is about finding meaning and real connections, not just collecting things or chasing empty desires.

We often fall into the trap of wanting more and more without appreciating what we already have. The rush for stuff and approval blinds us to the real value of the moments, relationships, and things around us. Stopping to truly savor life's simple pleasures can open our eyes to a richer, more fulfilling experience.

Meaning is something we create. How we see the world is shaped by our thoughts and feelings. By focusing on the positive and finding meaning in everyday experiences, we can change how we perceive life, bringing in more joy and contentment.