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5 Life Lessons from The Little Prince
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince is more than just a children’s book; it is a profound philosophical tale filled with timeless wisdom. This novella has sold an estimated 140 million copies world-wide and it has been translated into over 505 languages and dialects. Through the Little Prince’s journey across various planets, including Earth, we discover themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss. It is no surprise The Little Prince is one of the most popular books in the world. Here are five amazing life lessons from this classic story:
1. “It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important.”
This lesson teaches us about the depth of love and devotion. What makes something special is not its material value but the care, time, and emotion we invest in it. Our bonds and commitments give life its true meaning. The relationship between the Little Prince and his rose symbolizes how our attachments and responsibilities shape our lives. When we nurture something or someone, we create meaning and build connections that cannot be replaced.
I’ve found this to be true in my relationships. The friendships and bonds that mean the most to me are not the ones that were effortless, but the ones that took patience, time and understanding. It’s always in the small moments - the late-night talks, the shared laughter, and even the difficult days.
2. “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
One of the most famous quotes from this book reminds us that the most important things in life - love, friendship, and meaning - cannot be seen but only felt with the heart. In a world that often prioritizes material success and superficial appearances, this lesson teaches us to look beyond what is visible. True value lies in emotions, relationships, and experiences that shape our inner world rather than external possessions.
Even though I’m an avid user of Social Media, some of the best moments in my life are not captured in photos. They’re the quiet, in-between moments - watching a sunrise alone, a heartfelt hug after a hard day, spending quality time with your partner in your favorite places, having dinner with your friends, or the way a loved one looks at you when they don’t think you’re watching. Those are the things that matter, and they can never be bought or displayed.
3. “All grown-ups were once children… but only a few of them remember it.”
Adults often lose their sense of wonder and imagination as they age. Responsibilities, societal expectations, and the pursuit of material wealth can make people forget the pure joy of childhood curiosity. This lesson encourages us to reconnect with our inner child, embracing curiosity, creativity and the ability to see beauty in the simple things in life. By remembering the child we once were, we can bring more joy and authenticity into our everyday experiences.
Dance in the kitchen, make a wish on a dandelion, use pinky promises in your adult life, read a book purely for the magic of it. Being an adult does not mean we have to stop being playful and see the magic of the world.
4. “Well, I must endure the presence of a few caterpillars if I wish to become acquainted with the butterflies.”
The necessity of patience and endurance - an important lesson for our growth. To experience beauty and growth, we must sometimes go through difficult and uncomfortable phases. Challenges often lead to transformation, and just like a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, hardships can shape us into stronger, wiser individuals. Instead of resisting challenges, we should embrace them as part of the journey toward something better.
Every time I’ve gone through a tough period, I’ve reminded myself that growth isn’t always pretty. Change is uncomfortable. But every single hardship has led me to somewhere better, even if I didn't realize it at the time. It’s okay to struggle - it’s part of becoming the best version of ourselves.
5. “The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched; they are felt with the heart.”
True beauty always lies in connections and experiences. In the way we embrace everyday life and its moments of joy. Love, kindness and memories are what truly enrich our lives. This lesson reminds us that happiness does not come from material possessions but from the intangible feelings that make life meaningful. This is your reminder to cherish the people you love, the experiences you create and the emotions that shape your existence.
Slow down, appreciate what you have and what matters and never lose sight of the magic around you.
To end this, I have a little challenge for you: take a moment today to notice something beautiful that can’t be seen - maybe a feeling, a connection or a memory. Hold on to that feeling and try to make a habit out of romanticizing true values.
Happy reading,
Bea🩷
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