Khalil Gibran on War: View Point and Inspired Poem

Khalil Gibran on War: View Point and Inspired Poem

VIEW POINT

Lebanese mystic and poet, Khalil Gibran, offers a humanistic and anti-war perspective on life. He believes that while leaders may shake hands at the conclusion of a war, it is the everyday people — the mothers, wives, and children — who bear the true cost. His reflections on war delve deeper than mere physical battles, examining the inner turmoil of the soul and the absurdity of human conflict.

Gibran perceives war not as a noble pursuit, but as a devastating force that undermines our shared humanity, arising from a discord between reason and passion.His writings imply that amidst the turmoil of war, innocent individuals are frequently sacrificed to fulfill a senseless craving for vengeance. He portrays the human spirit as a battleground where reason and judgment 'battle' against desire and impulse.

He contends that true peace is achieved only when these opposing forces are in harmony—reason serves as the steering mechanism while passion acts as the driving force. His works juxtapose the atrocities of war with the restorative essence of love and nature. Furthermore, he believes that love possesses the ability to conquer death, and humanity must reclaim what greed sought to take through warfare. He also criticizes the glorification of military strength and war heroes, instead championing the quest for truth and reason over government-sanctioned violence.

INSPIRED POEM

The world is hurting, skies are gray,

A fight is on, but won't always stay.

This war is sad, a fleeting thing,

Love's gentle song, the joy we bring.

Let leaders fight for place and might,

Fill your own heart with peace and light.

This earth's your home, from shore to shore,

All people kin, forevermore.

A fight for love, the purest fight,

Embrace all races, black and white.

See war's foolish, pointless pain,

Let kindness bloom, again, again.

New starts we need, not victory's cheer,

Let go of hate, let love draw near.

Not guns and flags, that claim the day,

But reason, love, to light the way.