Description
THE BROTHER OF THE PRODIGAL SON
Book Summary
In this essay, Francesc Torralba, a leading author in the field of Ethics, uses the well-known parable of the prodigal son as a starting point for a deep philosophical reflection. However, the focus is not on the son who left, but on the older brother, the archetype of the faithful and obedient son who remains trapped in resentment. Through this figure, the book explores the most complex human emotions, forgiveness, and the meaning of existence, offering the reader a renewed and lucid look at the moral conflicts that dwell within us.
What is it about?
The essay takes the argument of the parable of the prodigal son as a point of departure to rethink the logic of forgiveness from an original perspective. Instead of focusing on the repentance of the son who left, Torralba directs attention toward the older brother, the one who always did his duty. Through this figure, the author unravels the complex range of emotions that arise in the face of perceived injustice: anger, envy, frustration, and, above all, resentment. The work analyzes how this feeling can become an emotional cage that prevents reconciliation and personal growth, inviting the reader to question the dynamics of merit, justice, and generosity.
Main themes
- Forgiveness and reconciliation from an ethical perspective.
- Resentment as a destructive emotion and its overcoming.
- The figure of the "faithful son" and the crisis of merit and obedience.
- Justice and gratuitousness in human relationships.
- The meaning of existence and moral suffering.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in practical philosophy, ethics, and moral psychology. It is especially suitable for those seeking a deep reflection on human emotions, forgiveness, and justice, as well as for those who wish to better understand family dynamics and internal conflicts from a philosophical perspective. It will also be of interest to students and professionals of philosophy, theology, or the human sciences.
What this book offers
- An original reinterpretation of a classic parable, focused on an often-forgotten character.
- Conceptual tools to analyze and manage resentment and other complex emotions.
- An ethical reflection on justice, merit, and gratuitousness in human relationships.
- An invitation to rethink forgiveness not as an automatic act, but as a profound process.
- A lucid and accessible look at the moral conflicts that traverse human existence.
Technical specifications
- Author: TORRALBA ROSELLO, FRANCESC
- Publisher: EL GALLO DE ORO
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: LITERARY ESSAYS, PHILOSOPHY
- Collection: ESSAY
- Publication date: October 2021
- Number of pages: 171
- Weight: 488 g
Editorial review
This essay stands out for its ability to address universal ethical questions based on a well-known story, offering a novel and deeply human perspective. Torralba's work is accessible without losing rigor, making it a valuable read for both specialists and a general audience interested in philosophy applied to daily life. His focus on the older brother brings a psychological and moral dimension that invites introspection and debate.

