Dear Dr. Kosters, Thank you for your analysis. I have read The Petite Prince several times and never understood it all. What is your number 1 book? Have you read Proust? Paul
Hi, Paul! do you feel like you understand it a bit better now? I absolutely loved the book! My absolute favorite story is Tolstoy‘s “The Death of Ivan Ilych.” What’s yours? And, yes on the Proust!
@@drwhitneykosters my cousin(74 and lived in France and Senegal many years) and I (69) read TPP last year together and I did not understand it all. Your explanation was great and I will reread again. My favorites areProust and Anna Karenina. Thank you for all your lectures. Most edifying.
This is my favorite book. I'm so glad that you find the beauty in it as well.. not that we are alone. It is the third or fourth most printed book of all time only behind the Bible, the Quran, and Harry Potter and the sorcerer's Stone.
Thank you for sharing this! Yes, it’s an incredible book that reminds us what it means to human! I’m so glad it had gotten its due credit and is still appreciated today. We need more books like this, especially as we become more and more digitized and disconnected from one another.
@@drwhitneykostersthere have been many points in my life where I felt that this book served as the antidote to the ills of the day. I would argue that it is not overly hyperbolic to say that the philosophy of The Little Prince is panacea. The slightly stems from the fact that the solution to many problems is in fact connection and recognition of what is truly important in life. The number of "stars" in your bank account will never be worth more than a single smile on the face of a loved one. This book even has an answer for some of life's greatest struggles. It reminds us that even after a loved one passes they still exist in the form of the wheat and the stars and the echoes of their laughter in our hearts. Thank you for your video so beautifully exploring the themes in this work of art. If I may suggest another work of fiction that superficially appears superficially targeted at children but has a beautiful philosophy and message, I would suggest avatar The last Airbender. Not the film, not the Netflix show that's currently airing but the original animated cartoon. There's a reason that rotten tomatoes gives it 100% credit score and 98% community / fans score. Mass appeal does not always make for a great work of art but in this case, much like in the case of The Little Prince. That fanfare is deserved. Regarding the other shows that I told you to not watch above this is a case of "oft imitated never replicated". Anyhow, ranting over. Just wanted to share that I have a work of art of the main character from Avatar flying over the little princess planet and holding a rose in his hand. 😊 It is a reminder of all the beauty that is just under the surface of those two works of fiction. "You're responsible forever for what you have tamed." and "That which is essential is invisible to the eye."
Reading this book for the first time and I have to say that the pilot speaking about his childhood, having the desire to become an artist. Instead he become what adults want him to become really hits hard as a young adult when I've come to realise I was guided by the desire of wanting to have wealth and success without rrealising that I don't focus on things that I enjoy within the career out of fear of not finding the numbers. The book truly made me realise that if I keep trying to focus on the numbers I will not enjoy my choice in career path, and be constantly worreid about the lifestyle.
Thank you! I appreciate you watching. I have another video coming out on The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe soon, and I’ve been discussing it with this really rad theologian. Should be good!
My first encounter with The Little Prince was in my high school Armenian class, in which my Armenian teacher presented us with this wonderful text in our native language. She made it clear that it is a story that holds great meaning for her, and after reading it, it was clear why she held it in such high regard. My classmates and I were all fascinated with the story. Each of us was able to take something away from the many lessons and morals it brings forth. The lesson that resonated with me the most was not allowing matters of consequence to stand in the way of enjoying life and appreciating the world around us. I have always felt like I have been able to retain my childlike joy and wonder, but growing into my role as an adult has dampened this value, especially since starting my career. At times, I find myself catching myself and wondering when I let myself get so caught up in the stressful, busy everyday routine of my work life, and when I stopped appreciating the little things around me that I used to adore. I see this connection reflected well in the discussion of matters of consequence in the lecture, as well as the businessman’s world. - Catherine Sepian
This became one of my favorites books. "The Little Prince" is an enchanting and thought-provoking masterpiece that transcends age and time. This is a wonderful book for both a kid and an adult. It contains a lot of life lessons. “The Little Prince” shows the open-mindedness of children. It is very important to nurture our inner child. Children has better imagination than adults. Children approach life with curiosity, and innocence. These allow them to see the magic and beauty in the world around them. They see the beauty in everything. The adults sometimes forget their hobbies and interests. The adults forget about themselves because of the stress and a lot of responsibilities. Thank you Dr. Whitney for a great explanation and for an opportunity of reading this book.
"The Little Prince" has inspired me to be intentional with my time and just be present! I don't want to set an example for younger generations that all life is about 'you work and then you die'. The times I feel most 'free' is when I'm channeling my inner child (playing in the ocean, doing cannon balls into the pool, coloring, drawing, etc...) Life isn't a race, we all end up at the same finish line anyway.
The most important lesson that the book The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry taught me was the importance of accessing your sense of childlike wonderment. In the book, the Little Prince sees the world in a way that goes beyond what the adult sees. He notices things that the adults in the book are too busy to give the time of day because they are preoccupied by figures and thankless tasks. They're so concerned with supposed matters of consequence that they lack perspective on things that truly matter. Even the narrator of the book has a hard time understanding the Little Prince at the beginning when he draws for him the box with the sheep inside. By the end of the book he has not only drawn for him a muzzle for the sheep, but is concerned that by forgetting to draw the strap the Little Prince might not be able to use the muzzle on the unseen sheep from the drawing of the box. As an aspiring filmmaker and writer, the lesson of viewing the world with a sense of childlike wonder is apt. It is important to observe the world and study people and their desires to effectively comment on social matters. It is also crucial to constantly be asking questions in my line of work because the basis of all stories is a central question. The things I write are also geared towards young audience and sometimes it can be difficult, as an adult, to see the world from their perspective. As the book conveys "Grown ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them." The most important part of seeing the world through a child's eyes is listening to children and opening up your mind and heart to learn from them.
I liked this story, but as a parent I felt so guilty. I realized how many opportunities were lost over things that were not as important as my own children. From a child's point of view, it would appear that adult's are purely selfish. Their time is spent on so many other things and none on the child. The child that people bring into the world that is not being watered and cared for like the Prince's flower. I did like how the book was dedicated to adults and how Sainte- Exupery apologizes for this; however, this parable is for teaching us all at any age the importance of spending time with those that we love and care about.
Yes! I also think he’s referencing matters of the heart, and matters that are specific only to him and his unique relationship with the little prince: his memories, his sense of loss, and those experiences that are now gone but remain with him. No matter what, no one can fully appreciate their time together as he does. To others, it will probably sound silly to hear the narrator say he wonders about the state of a sheep that he can’t even prove once existed. However, to him, it speaks to a moment that was of great importance to both him and the little prince during their time together. Generally speaking, the moments that are precious to us remain a mystery to others.
Watch my lectures on children’s literature here: ruclips.net/p/PLrhV674J9MHpG_5oWHLScForrnaHiMs-f&si=vcpxHie82vIzjYhQ
Dear Dr. Kosters, Thank you for your analysis. I have read The Petite Prince several times and never understood it all. What is your number 1 book? Have you read Proust? Paul
Hi, Paul! do you feel like you understand it a bit better now? I absolutely loved the book! My absolute favorite story is Tolstoy‘s “The Death of Ivan Ilych.” What’s yours? And, yes on the Proust!
@@drwhitneykosters my cousin(74 and lived in France and Senegal many years) and I (69) read TPP last year together and I did not understand it all. Your explanation was great and I will reread again. My favorites areProust and Anna Karenina. Thank you for all your lectures. Most edifying.
this book sounds excellent. can’t wait to read it.
Please let me know what you think!
This is my favorite book. I'm so glad that you find the beauty in it as well.. not that we are alone. It is the third or fourth most printed book of all time only behind the Bible, the Quran, and Harry Potter and the sorcerer's Stone.
Thank you for sharing this! Yes, it’s an incredible book that reminds us what it means to human! I’m so glad it had gotten its due credit and is still appreciated today. We need more books like this, especially as we become more and more digitized and disconnected from one another.
@@drwhitneykostersthere have been many points in my life where I felt that this book served as the antidote to the ills of the day. I would argue that it is not overly hyperbolic to say that the philosophy of The Little Prince is panacea. The slightly stems from the fact that the solution to many problems is in fact connection and recognition of what is truly important in life. The number of "stars" in your bank account will never be worth more than a single smile on the face of a loved one. This book even has an answer for some of life's greatest struggles. It reminds us that even after a loved one passes they still exist in the form of the wheat and the stars and the echoes of their laughter in our hearts.
Thank you for your video so beautifully exploring the themes in this work of art.
If I may suggest another work of fiction that superficially appears superficially targeted at children but has a beautiful philosophy and message, I would suggest avatar The last Airbender. Not the film, not the Netflix show that's currently airing but the original animated cartoon. There's a reason that rotten tomatoes gives it 100% credit score and 98% community / fans score. Mass appeal does not always make for a great work of art but in this case, much like in the case of The Little Prince. That fanfare is deserved. Regarding the other shows that I told you to not watch above this is a case of "oft imitated never replicated".
Anyhow, ranting over. Just wanted to share that I have a work of art of the main character from Avatar flying over the little princess planet and holding a rose in his hand. 😊
It is a reminder of all the beauty that is just under the surface of those two works of fiction. "You're responsible forever for what you have tamed." and "That which is essential is invisible to the eye."
Reading this book for the first time and I have to say that the pilot speaking about his childhood, having the desire to become an artist. Instead he become what adults want him to become really hits hard as a young adult when I've come to realise I was guided by the desire of wanting to have wealth and success without rrealising that I don't focus on things that I enjoy within the career out of fear of not finding the numbers. The book truly made me realise that if I keep trying to focus on the numbers I will not enjoy my choice in career path, and be constantly worreid about the lifestyle.
Oh, my gosh! I so hope this book will give you the insight you need to maintain joy and happiness for you in the years to come. Thank you for sharing!
i love all your videos. they're so helpful!! thank you.
Thank you! I appreciate you watching. I have another video coming out on The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe soon, and I’ve been discussing it with this really rad theologian. Should be good!
My first encounter with The Little Prince was in my high school Armenian class, in which my Armenian teacher presented us with this wonderful text in our native language. She made it clear that it is a story that holds great meaning for her, and after reading it, it was clear why she held it in such high regard. My classmates and I were all fascinated with the story. Each of us was able to take something away from the many lessons and morals it brings forth.
The lesson that resonated with me the most was not allowing matters of consequence to stand in the way of enjoying life and appreciating the world around us. I have always felt like I have been able to retain my childlike joy and wonder, but growing into my role as an adult has dampened this value, especially since starting my career. At times, I find myself catching myself and wondering when I let myself get so caught up in the stressful, busy everyday routine of my work life, and when I stopped appreciating the little things around me that I used to adore. I see this connection reflected well in the discussion of matters of consequence in the lecture, as well as the businessman’s world.
- Catherine Sepian
Thanks for sharing!
This became one of my favorites books. "The Little Prince" is an enchanting and thought-provoking masterpiece that transcends age and time. This is a wonderful book for both a kid and an adult. It contains a lot of life lessons. “The Little Prince” shows the open-mindedness of children. It is very important to nurture our inner child. Children has better imagination than adults. Children approach life with curiosity, and innocence. These allow them to see the magic and beauty in the world around them. They see the beauty in everything. The adults sometimes forget their hobbies and interests. The adults forget about themselves because of the stress and a lot of responsibilities. Thank you Dr. Whitney for a great explanation and for an opportunity of reading this book.
excellent stuff!
Thanks!
"The Little Prince" has inspired me to be intentional with my time and just be present! I don't want to set an example for younger generations that all life is about 'you work and then you die'. The times I feel most 'free' is when I'm channeling my inner child (playing in the ocean, doing cannon balls into the pool, coloring, drawing, etc...) Life isn't a race, we all end up at the same finish line anyway.
Thanks for sharing!
The most important lesson that the book The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry taught me was the importance of accessing your sense of childlike wonderment. In the book, the Little Prince sees the world in a way that goes beyond what the adult sees. He notices things that the adults in the book are too busy to give the time of day because they are preoccupied by figures and thankless tasks. They're so concerned with supposed matters of consequence that they lack perspective on things that truly matter. Even the narrator of the book has a hard time understanding the Little Prince at the beginning when he draws for him the box with the sheep inside. By the end of the book he has not only drawn for him a muzzle for the sheep, but is concerned that by forgetting to draw the strap the Little Prince might not be able to use the muzzle on the unseen sheep from the drawing of the box.
As an aspiring filmmaker and writer, the lesson of viewing the world with a sense of childlike wonder is apt. It is important to observe the world and study people and their desires to effectively comment on social matters. It is also crucial to constantly be asking questions in my line of work because the basis of all stories is a central question. The things I write are also geared towards young audience and sometimes it can be difficult, as an adult, to see the world from their perspective. As the book conveys "Grown ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them." The most important part of seeing the world through a child's eyes is listening to children and opening up your mind and heart to learn from them.
Wonderful to hear!
The little prince has definitely made me look at what I value in my life and appreciate the little things
Bravo!
It’s such a great story, right?!
I liked this story, but as a parent I felt so guilty. I realized how many opportunities were lost over things that were not as important as my own children. From a child's point of view, it would appear that adult's are purely selfish. Their time is spent on so many other things and none on the child. The child that people bring into the world that is not being watered and cared for like the Prince's flower. I did like how the book was dedicated to adults and how Sainte- Exupery apologizes for this; however, this parable is for teaching us all at any age the importance of spending time with those that we love and care about.
Can anyone in the group explain the “great mystery” that Adults never understand at the end?
One runs the risk of weeping a little if one allows himself to be tamed?
Yes! I also think he’s referencing matters of the heart, and matters that are specific only to him and his unique relationship with the little prince: his memories, his sense of loss, and those experiences that are now gone but remain with him. No matter what, no one can fully appreciate their time together as he does. To others, it will probably sound silly to hear the narrator say he wonders about the state of a sheep that he can’t even prove once existed. However, to him, it speaks to a moment that was of great importance to both him and the little prince during their time together. Generally speaking, the moments that are precious to us remain a mystery to others.