Almustafa is about to leave Orphalese, and just before he does, he shares his wisdom on various aspects of life. In twenty-six short chapters, he offers insights on topics such as love, marriage, work, joy, sorrow, freedom and death. The philosophical message behind these short texts is to embrace the joys and challenges of life with peace. I had read this book in the form of a beautifully illustrated graphic novel, which added a little embellishment to the messages, which, though beautiful, can be rather tedious to read all at once. But full of useful wisdom.
“And tell me, people of Orphalese, what have you in these houses? And what is it you guard with fastened doors?
Have you peace, the quiet urge that reveals your power?
Have you remembrances, the glimmering arches that span the summits of the mind?
Have you beauty, that leads the heart from things fashioned of wood and stone to the holy mountain?
Tell me, have you these in your houses?
Or have you only comfort, and the lust for comfort, that stealthy thing that enters the house a guest, and then becomes a host, and then a master ?”