“Keep me away from the wisdom that does not cry, the philosophy that does not laugh, and the greatness that does not bow before children”
— Khalil Gibran
Simplified Meaning:
This quote is saying that true wisdom, philosophy, and greatness should be filled with emotion and humility. Wisdom that cannot feel or show sadness is incomplete because understanding things deeply sometimes means feeling the weight of the world’s problems. Philosophy that never makes you laugh is missing out on the joys and absurdities of life; humor can often help us understand complicated ideas better. Greatness that cannot humble itself, especially before innocent and honest children, is not truly great because it lacks kindness and respect. Imagine a wise person who also knows when to show emotions, a philosopher who can joke and make people smile, and a powerful person who respects and listens to children. This is the kind of balanced and heartfelt approach the quote is advocating for, and it encourages us to be empathetic, joyful, and humble in our pursuit of knowledge and greatness.