On Buying, Selling and Being Human

Today we buy things with a simple tap, click or swipe, often without a second thought. Shopping has become so fast and effortless that it feels automatic. But in the middle of all this convenience, we have lost something valuable. Buying and selling were not always just about profit. They were once about people, relationships and purpose.

In his poem “On Buying and Selling,” Kahlil Gibran talks about something simple but important. Reading his words feels like stopping for a moment in a noisy market and suddenly seeing things in a new way. He shows us that buying and selling is not just about money or things. It is really about people. It’s about one person giving something with honesty and another person accepting it with trust. Every time we trade, whether it’s something big or small, there is a bit of care, respect and understanding shared between the two. That’s what makes it truly special.

Gibran doesn’t just write poetry. He shares simple truths that really make you think. He begins this part with a strong yet easy idea: “the earth gives us enough for everyone.” He reminds us that life is not meant to be a constant race or a fight to get more. Instead, he paints a picture of a world where we trade and share not out of greed or need but because there is enough for everyone and we choose to do it with fairness, kindness and care.

For Gibran, buying and selling is more than just a business deal. It is something deeply human. He wants us to see that every time we buy or sell, it is actually two people connecting. When this happens with honesty and kindness, it builds trust and brings people together. But when it is done with greed or unfairness, it creates distance. Some people end up with too much, while others are left with very little or nothing at all.

One of the nicest parts of this poem is how Gibran makes us see the market differently. It’s not just a place where people buy and sell things with money. He pictures farmers bringing their crops, fishermen bringing their fish but also musicians, dancers and dreamers sharing their talents. He shows us that it’s not only food or products that matter. Art, creativity and imagination are just as important. Gibran reminds us that just like our bodies need food, our hearts and minds need joy and beauty too.

But maybe the most touching and important line is this, no one should leave the market empty-handed. That’s where Gibran’s message really hits home. He’s dreaming of a world where no one is left out, where buying and selling isn’t just about making money but about making sure everyone is included, treated with respect and given a fair chance to grow and thrive.

Conclusion

Gibran’s message is not just pretty words. It’s something real and meaningful. He does not want us to see the economy as just a system that runs on money. He wants us to see it as people helping each other. What if, instead of only thinking about profit when we buy or sell something, we thought about kindness? What if we asked, “How can we share?” instead of “What can I get?”

Today, everything feels like just buying and selling. Gibran asks us to put some heart into it. He dreams of a market where it’s not only about things, but about care, respect and real connection between people. A place where no one feels left out and everyone feels important.