"On Buying and Selling" by Khalil Gibran

 

"On Buying and Selling"

by Khalil Gibran

And a merchant said, Speak to us of Buying and Selling. And he answered and said: To you the earth yields her fruit, and you shall not want if you but know how to fill your hands. It is in exchanging the gifts of the earth that you shall find abundance and be satisfied. Yet unless the exchange be in love and kindly justice, it will but lead some to greed and others to hunger. When in the market place you toilers of the sea and fields and vineyards meet the weavers and the potters and the gatherers of spices,— Invoke then the master spirit of the earth, to come into your midst and sanctify the scales and the reckoning that weighs value against value. And suffer not the barren-handed to take part in your transactions, who would sell their words for your labour. To such men you should say, “Come with us to the field, or go with our brothers to the sea and cast your net; For the land and the sea shall be bountiful to you even as to us.” And if there come the singers and the dancers and the flute players,—buy of their gifts also. For they too are gatherers of fruit and frankincense, and that which they bring, though fashioned of dreams, is raiment and food for your soul. And before you leave the market place, see that no one has gone his way with empty hands. For the master spirit of the earth shall not sleep peacefully upon the wind till the needs of the least of you are satisfied

Summary,

In "On Buying and Selling," Khalil Gibran explores the intricacies of commerce and its role in human society. He presents buying and selling not merely as economic activities but as profound exchanges rooted in the deeper connections between people.

The poem begins by highlighting the Earth's abundance, emphasizing the prosperity and fruits it offers. The prophet underscores that the Earth yields its bounty to fulfill human needs, urging merchants to learn how to receive these gifts properly. He frames commerce as an exchange of the Earth’s blessings, which can lead to satisfaction when approached with understanding and gratitude.

Gibran warns that if trading is not conducted with love and fair justice, it will result in poverty and other societal issues. He praises the labor of various workers—seafarers, farmers, weavers, potters, and spice collectors—who, through their hard work, honor the spirit of the Earth. Their honest efforts sanctify the balance of trade, ensuring that value is exchanged justly.

However, Gibran also acknowledges the presence of merchants who might exploit the labor of others without contributing themselves. He envisions a scenario where workers invite such merchants to join in their labor, suggesting that the land and sea will be generous to all who work honestly. This invitation reflects the interconnectedness of labor and the shared bounty of nature.

The poem further recognizes artists—singers, dancers, and flute players—who contribute their talents to the marketplace. Their gifts, alongside tangible goods like fruits and frankincense, nourish the soul, enriching the communal spirit.

In conclusion, Gibran portrays the marketplace as a place where everyone, regardless of their role, leaves with their hands full, reflecting the Earth’s generosity. He glorifies the master spirit of the Earth, asserting that it remains restless until all human needs are met, emphasizing the harmony between nature’s abundance and human labor.

Themes:

1. Interconnectedness of Humanity and Nature: Gibran highlights the deep relationship between humans and the Earth. The Earth provides its fruits, and humans, through their labor, honor and sustain this cycle. This theme emphasizes the mutual dependence between humanity and the natural world.

2. The Spiritual Dimension of Commerce: Buying and selling are portrayed not merely as economic activities but as spiritual exchanges. The poem suggests that commerce, when conducted with love and fairness, becomes a sacred act, enriching both the giver and the receiver.

3. Fairness and Justice in Trade: The poem stresses the importance of fairness and justice in all transactions. Gibran warns that without love and kindness, commerce leads to societal ills like poverty, implying that ethical practices are essential for the well-being of the community.

4. The Dignity of Labor: Gibran glorifies the hard work of various laborers, recognizing their efforts as crucial to the sustenance of society. The theme underscores the value of honest labor and the sanctity of the work done by farmers, artisans, and other workers.

5. Collective Responsibility and Community: The poem promotes the idea of collective effort and shared responsibility. Gibran envisions a community where everyone works together, ensuring that the fruits of labor are distributed equitably and everyone’s needs are met.