It is difficult to name a single book that influenced me the most. After all, every book a person reads brings something new, teaches, and makes one reflect on the nature of things or events. However, there are books one wants to reread again and again, and each time he or she finds something new, previously unnoticed, but infinitely important for themselves at this particular moment of life. A book that has become “a mirror” for me is “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. It taught me sympathy and understanding and, in some ways, I have always sought to resemble the Little Prince treating others with compassion, generosity of spirit, and recognition.
“The Little Prince” is a magical lyrical fairy tale with an interesting plot for children and philosophical content for adults. The main idea of the author was to contrast the world of adults with the magical land of childhood, in which there are no worries. Saint-Exupery sought to tell readers about enduring universal values, that many adults have forgotten or neglected. The little prince in himself embodies such qualities as responsibility, without which love perishes, and devotion, without which friendship does not exist.
At one time, this work literally changed my life, so struck I was by the strangeness and power of the story described in it. I wondered at the depth of Saint-Exupery’s thoughts, the purity and richness of feelings the book portrayed, and Little Prince’s strength of character. While it would be wrong to say that I want to imitate Little Prince in everything, I share the values of the main character, such as compassion, understanding and readiness to assume responsibility for the people I am close to. The book taught me to be more attentive to the people who are next to me, to move forward tirelessly, to believe in myself and try to make the world a better place.