The Little Prince

“Here is my secret. It is very simple: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” – Antoine de St. Exupery

My website logo is a pineapple with a little tag that says 731. Next to it is a simple description, “Asteroid No. 731.” I secretly hoped someone would question me as to what it means, but no one has.

The little prince came from a little planet called Asteroid B-612. It is very small, with three volcanoes (one of which is extinct), some baobab trees (that must be taken care of), and a beloved rose. That’s the little prince’s home, as Asteroid No. 731 is mine.

I can’t quite pinpoint the exact sentence, or moment, that made this book my favorite. Maybe when the fox exclaimed “Think how wonderful that will be when you have tamed me!” Or earlier than that, when the pilot complained, “grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them.” Maybe it’s the fond memory of meeting a blond haired green eyed pilot who loved the story, which led to my adventures to Japan. Or realizing how bitterly disappointed I was when he returned from Paris empty-handed, telling me he could not find the book.

Sometimes I’m afraid of recommending this book to other people. I’m afraid they will not like it. They will think I’m silly for liking a fairy tale for little kids. That’s when I sadly realize that I am very much a grown up now.

So let this be my tribute. To a time when I can still see the little sheep inside the box.