“Only with the heart can one see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye.” This famous quote from The Little Prince has resonated with readers across generations. Written and illustrated by French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the book is often categorized as a children’s story—but it is much more than that. It’s a deeply philosophical meditation on love, friendship, and the meaning of life, cherished by both children and adults alike.

Saint-Exupéry was born on June 29, 1900, in Lyon, France, making this year the 125th anniversary of his birth.

A Timeless Tale That Speaks to the Soul

In The Little Prince, the author recounts the story of a young boy from another planet who finds himself in the Sahara Desert, where he meets the narrator—a stranded pilot. The prince shares stories of his travels to other planets and his insights into human nature. The author’s own watercolor illustrations depict the prince as a ten-year-old boy with curly blond hair, long legs, green trousers, and wide, expressive eyes.

Upon its release on April 6, 1943, fans expecting an aviation adventure were initially disappointed. But the book quickly defied expectations, becoming a global bestseller. With over 140 million copies sold and translations in more than 300 languages and dialects, it is one of the most widely read books in history, second only to the Bible and the Qur’an.

Seeing the World Through a Child’s Eyes

One reason for the book’s enduring appeal is its portrayal of the world through the innocent, unfiltered gaze of a child. French author Stéphane Garnier, in The Wisdom of the Little Prince, calls it a “philosopher’s stone” for reconnecting with one’s inner child. The Little Prince, in many ways, serves as a therapist for the soul, offering timeless lessons on how to live more happily and meaningfully.

Bestselling author and priest Anselm Grün believes that reading the book awakens our longing for a different world—one where people are not judged by their achievements. “When we see with our hearts,” he writes, “we understand friendship as a sacred gift.” In the story’s final moments, the prince disappears into the desert, a mysterious ending that Grün likens to the resurrection of Christ.

The Man Behind the Prince: A Life of Flight and Loss

Saint-Exupéry came from an aristocratic French family. His father died when he was just three years old, and he was raised by his mother alongside his younger brother, whose early death in 1917 deeply affected him.

After failing to enter several universities, he trained as an aircraft mechanic and earned his pilot’s license in 1921. He joined the military and later flew postal routes in Africa for Air France. His first book, L’Aviateur (The Aviator), was published in 1926, followed by work as director of an airline in Buenos Aires.

He married Salvadoran artist Consuelo Suncin de Sandoval in 1931, and despite turbulent years, continued to write and fly. In 1935, he survived a crash in the Sahara, an experience that heavily influenced The Little Prince.

Disappearance in War and Final Revelation

During World War II, Saint-Exupéry flew reconnaissance missions. In 1944, he vanished over the Mediterranean near Corsica while flying a mission to track German fighters. Decades later, it was confirmed that his plane had been shot down by German pilot Horst Rippert, who later expressed deep regret:

“I’m deeply sorry I killed such a respected author,” he told Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Ironically, it was Saint-Exupéry’s books that had inspired Rippert to become a pilot.

A Legacy That Lives On

Today, The Little Prince remains a universal symbol of childhood wisdom, emotional depth, and human connection. Its message—that what truly matters is invisible to the eye—continues to touch hearts around the globe, 125 years after its author’s birth.