Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet: Why is it so loved?

Interesting article from the Beeb http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17997163

'The Prophet' is a universal work that reaches people's inner self and which informs in a non-verbal way.

By ignoring this major contribution to those who aspire to Spiritual understanding, the English academia reveal themselves as ignorant and petty. Their global understanding seems to be based on physical/ martial might and coercion is considered as 'clever'. An insular outlook if ever there was one.

Yet, a better way is contained in this little book that points to a fuller life without vulgar notions of individual and collective superiority of such contrivances as Monarchies and other over-dressed 'institutions'

The introduction of 'The Prophet' to youth at an early stage in Life would be an all-round benefit to humanity.

It reads well, is undemanding and affirms self [or perhaps selfishness].
Used to be very popular with undergraduates back in the day.
Not those who tended to get first class degrees but it served to license the introspective laziness of the also rans thus allowing them to feel better about their lack of application.
Good book but possibly safer in the hands of retirees with a career behind them and those with some modicum of life experience.
It was ruthlessly marketed hence the high sales. First book that a publisher paid distributors for prominent positioning at point of sale. It set that trend.