INNOCENCE, HUMAN VALUES, AND THE PHILOSOPHY OF CHILDHOOD IN ANTOINE DE SAINT EXUPÉRY’S THE LITTLE PRINCE

Abstract

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is one of the most influential literary works of the twentieth century. Although commonly regarded as a children’s novella, the text presents profound philosophical reflections on human nature, relationships, responsibility, and the loss of innocence in adulthood. Through symbolic characters, imaginative settings, and poetic language, Saint-Exupéry critiques the superficiality of modern society while emphasizing the importance of emotional connection and moral understanding. This article explores the novella’s central themes, including childhood and imagination, friendship and responsibility, and symbolism as a narrative technique. The paper argues that The Little Prince remains timeless because of its universal message about what truly matters in human life.