And ever has it been known that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.

In this quote, Khalil Gibran reflects on the profound nature of love and how its true depth often becomes apparent only in moments of separation. He suggests that love is not always fully understood or appreciated while it is present, but its significance is revealed when we are faced with loss or distance from the one we love. The experience of separation, whether through physical distance or emotional separation, serves as a lens that magnifies the feelings and attachment we have for someone.

Gibran’s words also highlight the paradox of love: it is often easy to take love for granted when we are surrounded by it, but it is in the absence of that love that we truly realize its value and intensity. The "hour of separation" refers to a moment of parting that forces us to confront our emotions and acknowledge how deeply we care. In this sense, separation acts as a catalyst that helps reveal the true emotional connection between individuals.

The idea expressed in the quote speaks to the universal human experience of loss—whether it’s the end of a relationship, the death of a loved one, or a long-distance separation. Gibran emphasizes that love is not always recognized in its full scope until we face the painful reality of being apart from the person we love. This brings an added layer of regret or longing, but also a deeper understanding of how much that person truly meant to us.

Ultimately, Gibran’s quote invites us to reflect on the ephemeral nature of love and the way it can be both invisible and powerful at the same time. It suggests that we often fail to recognize the full extent of our love until it is tested by separation, urging us to cherish and appreciate love while we have it, rather than waiting until it is no longer within our reach.