Robert Ghanem: Poet, Philosopher, and Journalist

Robert Ghanem (1939 – January 9, 2019) was a Lebanese poet, philosopher, and journalist, known for his reflective literary style and deep philosophical insights. His work often explored themes of love, loss, and the Lebanese identity, contributing significantly to modern Arabic literature.

Early Life and Education Robert Ghanem was born in 1939 in Baskinta, a mountainous region in Lebanon renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. He was deeply influenced by his father, Abdallah Ghanem, a respected poet. This familial environment fostered Robert's love for poetry and literature from an early age.

Literary Career Ghanem's literary career was marked by a series of poetry collections and philosophical writings. One of his most famous works, Years of Sadness (1968), is a collection of poetry dedicated to his father. The book is known for its poignant exploration of themes such as grief, nostalgia, and the human condition. His poetry often reflected the social and emotional challenges of his time, with a strong focus on the inner life of the individual.

Journalism In addition to his poetry, Robert Ghanem was an active journalist. He wrote on a variety of topics, including social and political issues, bringing a philosophical perspective to contemporary events. His writing style was both analytical and introspective, earning him respect as a critical voice in Lebanese journalism. Ghanem’s work in journalism allowed him to engage with the broader cultural and intellectual discourses of Lebanon and the Arab world.

Personal Life Robert Ghanem was married to Nadia Ghanem, a francophone poet and translator. In 1982, she translated Swann’s Love by Marcel Proust into Arabic, helping to bridge French and Arabic literary traditions. The couple had one son, Michel Ghanem, who went on to become an actor, producer, and director.

Legacy Following his death on January 9, 2019, Robert Ghanem’s family created a website, RobertGhanem.com, to honor his memory and literary legacy. The website serves as a digital archive, featuring his biography, notable works, family photos, and tributes from friends and literary colleagues. It aims to introduce Ghanem’s work to new generations and preserve his contributions to Lebanese and Arabic literature.

Selected Works Years of Sadness (1968) – Poetry collection dedicated to his father, Abdallah Ghanem. My Friend, the Revolution (1980) Swann's Way (1982) O War, Love Has Come (1987) The Rebellion (1996) Beyond Philosophy - First Book (2007-2006) Beyond Philosophy - Second Book (2007-2006) Beyond Philosophy - Third Book (2007-2006) Metaphysics (What Is Beyond Nature): A Passage to the Invisible (2010) The Universal (2011) Blessed is the Coming in the Name of... Love (2011) The Book of Issues (2011) Gate of Time (2012) This Is How the World Will End (2012) There Are Links (2013) Beyond Imagination (2013) Is Philosophy a Disease or a Cure? (2013) Time Beyond Time (2014-2015) Why Don't I Know? (2014-2015) Cities of the Air (2016) Philosophy Searching for Philosophy (2016) A Journey with Theology (2016) Tears of Aristotle (2017) The Ship of Eternity (2017) The Years of Sadness (2017) Philosophy Lost the Keys (2019) Various journalistic essays on Lebanese and Arab socio-political issues.

References RobertGhanem.com – Official website dedicated to Robert Ghanem’s life and work.