Friday Art & History Feature - Art and Quotes from the Little Prince

The cover of the Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

One of my favorite books that stayed with me through years is The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, published in 1943. Although it is essentially a children's book, it is full of philosophical observations about life and human nature. In fact, it is so beloved, it is the most translated French book and is considered one of the best and most-read books of the 20th century.

The Little Prince, which is a story of a boy, the prince, who falls to earth from a small asteroid and travels the earth meeting different characters, including a pilot stranded in the desert (Exupéry was also a pilot) and a fox, was illustrated by Exupéry with watercolor drawings. Below are a few of these drawings, as well as the greatest quotes from the Little Prince. The book will always stay in my heart.

“All grown-ups were once children... but only few of them remember it.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

“People have forgotten this truth," the fox said. "But you mustn’t forget it. You become responsible forever for what you’ve tamed. You’re responsible for your rose.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince  

“What makes the desert beautiful,' said the little prince, 'is that somewhere it hides a well...”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince 

And the little prince added, "But eyes are blind. You have to look with the heart.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince  

“It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

 

“Well, I must endure the presence of a few caterpillars if I wish to become acquainted with the butterflies.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

“A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince  

Have you read the Little Prince? Did you enjoy it? What other children's books stayed with you?