It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Only With the Heart

Theme: Love

And he went back to meet the fox. “Goodbye,” he said. “Goodbye,” said the fox. “And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” “What is essential is invisible to the eye,” the little prince repeated, so that he would be sure to remember. “It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important.” “It is the time I have wasted for my rose–” said the little prince, so that he would be sure to remember. “Men have forgotten this truth,” said the fox. “But you must not forget it. You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed. You are responsible for your rose . . .” “I am responsible for my rose,” the little prince repeated, so that he would be sure to remember.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was born on June 29, 1900, in Lyon, France, into a family that embraced creativity and enterprise. The second of five children, he grew up surrounded by innovation. His studies in architecture and engineering at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris led him to the skies. As a commercial pilot and later a military aviator with the French Air Force, Saint-Exupéry found meaning and inspiration as he navigated the vast expanses of the South Atlantic and South America.

Saint-Exupéry's experiences in aviation informed his worldview and his writing. Rather than just a job, flying was a living metaphor for understanding life and human relationships. Through works like "The Little Prince," "Wind, Sand and Stars," and "Night Flight," he shared insights into love, friendship, and the wonder of seeing the world with fresh eyes. "The Little Prince" became particularly beloved, reaching hearts across cultures and languages, and becoming one of the world's most-read books.

Complexity and sensitivity marked Saint-Exupéry's life. He married twice and had two children. His idealistic view of the world was often at odds with the violence he saw, but he never lost hope for a peaceful future. The Legion of Honor recognized his service, but his life's journey ended abruptly and mysteriously on July 31, 1944, during a reconnaissance mission. The absence of his physical remains adds a mystic quality to his legacy. His work, grounded in love and interconnectedness, continues to speak to readers, offering a gentle guidance towards a kinder world.

(1900-1944) Humanism, Arts and Sciences
The Little Prince

Saint-Exupéry, Antoine de. The Little Prince. Translated by Richard Howard. New York: Harcourt, 1943. Print. [The Little Prince, Chapter 11.]

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Theme: Love

About This Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Quote [Brief Commentary]

The quote “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye” testifies to the universality of love and the heart’s innate wisdom. The eye, representing our surface-level perception, can often be misled by appearances, missing the true essence of things. The heart, on the other hand, sees beyond the superficial and reaches the core of our connections with others. This way of ‘seeing’ speaks to a love that transcends differences and recognizes the sacredness in everything.

About This Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Quote [Longer Commentary]

The dialogue with the fox emphasizes the responsibility of love, especially in the lines, “You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed. You are responsible for your rose…” This taming, or forming a bond with someone or something, is a conscious act of love. It requires time, effort, and presence, symbolized by the ‘time wasted for the rose,’ making the rose (or the relationship) significant. Love is not merely a feeling; it is a continuous act of nurturing, understanding, and accepting the accountability of interconnectedness.

Finally, Saint-Exupéry’s words act as a reminder to all of humanity, particularly in the line, “Men have forgotten this truth.” In a world often driven by materialism and outward appearances, the wisdom of loving with the heart is often overlooked. By returning to this simple yet profound understanding, we can foster deeper relationships, appreciate the unseen beauty in our lives, and contribute to a more compassionate society. It’s a call to remember the essential nature of love and to act upon it, embracing the truth that what is most important often lies beyond what the eye can see.

Additional Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Quotes

“To love is to see with the heart”

—Antoine de.Saint-Exupéry, Wind, Sand and Stars. Chapt. 15.[Saint-Exupéry, Antoine de. Wind, Sand and Stars. Translated by William Rees. New York: Harcourt, 1939. Print.]

“Love is not just looking at each other, it’s looking in the same direction.”

—Antoine de.Saint-Exupéry, Wind, Sand and Stars. Chapt. 15.

“You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.”

—Antoine de.Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince, Chapter 21. [Saint-Exupéry, Antoine de. The Little Prince. Translated by Richard Howard. New York: Harcourt, 1943. Print.]

“It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important.”

—Antoine de.Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince, Chapter 6.

Only With the Heart

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