The Wise Dog (Modern Retelling)

The Wise Dog a parable by Gibran Khalil Gibran

I allowed myself to rewrite it to reflect today’s society and our dependency on phones—while keeping Gibran’s tone and poetic elegance:

In my youth, I was told of a city where every soul lived in wisdom and connection.

And I said, “I will go there to learn from their clarity and peace.”

After many days of travel, I reached the city. And truly, it was as they had said, everyone's hands were full! but not with books or tools of craft; each one held a glowing screen.

They walked through blooming gardens with eyes lowered. Sat at the edge of rivers yet heard no sound of water. Birds sang above them, but no one looked up.

Their fingers danced across glass, chasing news and voices from far away, while ignoring the hearts beside them.

I waited to see one lift their head to greet the sun or touch a leaf in wonder—but none did.

And in that moment, I felt sorrow, for I had come seeking the living wisdom of presence, not the shadow of it.

Then I saw an old man walking, blind, guided by a quiet dog.

And I said to myself, “Here walks the only wise soul in this city.”

Moral of the Story

In a world where everyone sees yet is blind, touches yet feels nothing, and connects yet remains alone; true wisdom is to be present. To lift your eyes. To see.

Share with me your thoughts