So, let's chat about a recent journey I took with my students as we read The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry; a timeless tale of a young prince and a pilot stranded in the Sahara Desert. Now, on the surface, it might seem like a cute story for children, but as we dove deeper, the lessons resonated more with me, the adult, than with the children.
Children already embody their playful, carefree spirits; there is no need for them to search for their inner child. However, it turns out I needed that reminder. As we read through the story, I found myself drawn to the significance of the pilot's perspective. The pilot, stranded in the vastness of the desert, becomes the lens through which we, as adults, view the unfolding narrative. His experiences and reflections serve as a guide, inviting us to rediscover our inner child while facing the complexities of adulthood.
"You talk like the grown-ups!" the Little Prince throws that one out there (pg. 20). It's a mirror moment, isn't it? A reminder of the not-so-great ways we sometimes communicate as adults. How often do our words unintentionally chip away at the innocence and wonder of the little people we're guiding through life?
And then there's that "too young" label (pg. 25). Ever been hit with that one in your adult life? The implication that you're somehow not experienced enough? It's a label that makes us question our own capabilities, nudging us to rethink our ideas about age and wisdom.
"I need to put up with two out of three caterpillars if I want to get to know the butterflies," the Fox drops this gem (pg. 58). Translation: to truly get the beauty, you've got to wade through some not-so-beautiful stuff first. Life's not all rainbows; it's about embracing the messiness and growth that comes with it.
The whole "Who are you...who are you...who are you...?" (pg. 54) thing is like a cosmic echo, right? It's the universe asking us to dive deep into that eternal question of self-discovery. Do we ever really have a handle on who we are, or is it a journey that unfolds with each twist and turn?
Now, the Fox drops some serious knowledge about taming on page 58. Taming, it turns out, is a forever deal. It's a commitment that makes us ponder our relationships, our choices, and the responsibilities we carry as adults. It's about investing in connections that stand the test of time.
"You have to be patient" (pg. 60), the Little Prince learns. Yep, patience — that virtue we often forget in our hustle. Turns out, it's a crucial ingredient in understanding, connecting, and navigating the rollercoaster of relationships.
"Language is the source of misunderstanding" (pg. 61), he muses. Words, man. They can be a double-edged sword. The cost of happiness sometimes involves navigating the minefield of communication. It's a reminder to be mindful of the power our words hold.
"One sees clearly only with the heart...invisible to the eye" (pg. 63). The Little Prince spills this truth tea, underscoring the importance of intuition and emotional intelligence. Feeling the vibe beats seeing it; trusting our instincts leads to richer connections.
And, of course, the Fox drops the bomb that "What is most important is invisible" (pg. 68). It's a mic-drop moment challenging our obsession with what's visible and tangible. Love, connection, empathy — the invisible threads weaving our lives together. That's where the real magic happens.
As I journeyed through The Little Prince with my students, it hit me — this isn't just a children's story. It's a grown-up guide, a mirror reflecting our struggles, and a narrative inviting us to rediscover the child within. So, let's take a note from the pilot, find solace in the Little Prince's lessons, and keep riding the wave toward authenticity, vulnerability, and the enduring magic of our inner child.
