The Little Prince

“Bagi setiap manusia, bintang-bintang memiliki makna berbeda-beda. Bagi orang-orang tertentu—para pengembara—bintang-bintang adalah pemandu bagi mereka. Bagi yang lain, bintang-bintang adalah cahaya kecil di langit. Bagi orang lain lagi—para ilmuwan—bintang-bintang adalah persoalan yang harus dipecahkan. Bagi pengusahaku, mereka berarti emas. Tetapi bagi semua orang ini, bintang-bintang itu diam. Sedangkan kau, kau akan memiliki bintang-bintang itu yang tak pernah dimiliki orang lain.” (p. 99-100)

That’s one of my favorite parts of the book originally written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Though it’s merely a fiction, there’s something deeper within.

It tells a story about a pilot who meets a ‘little boy’ in Sahara desert. This ‘little prince’ comes from another planet, which is associated with a small asteroid. He has three ‘mountains’ and a flower there. In short, he then takes a journey to another planet. Only one person occupies each planet visited, except Earth. The first is occupied by a king; second by an overconfident man; third by a drinker; fourth by a businessperson; fifth by a lamp lighter; sixth by a geographer; and the last one is Earth.

Throughout the story, the writer inserts some moral principles, criticisms and idealisms in such an interesting way. It is actually recommended especially for children. Still, we will loose nothing taking a little time reading this full-illustrated book.

There are two major issues discussed. First, it tells about how ‘odd’ adults are, according to the writer’s opinion. Second, it talks about the idea of a relationship. A relationship would be meaningful if there is a strong tie between the participants. It requires patience and consistency. Thus, inevitably, it would leave an unforgettable trace within. Have you ever experienced one? I have :)

Thanks for allowing me to be the first reader of this book, Anie!!!