Think More Like Robert Fulghum: Timeless Wisdom for Modern Living
Introduction
In today's fast-paced and complex world, the simple yet profound wisdom of Robert Fulghum, author of "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten," offers us a refreshing perspective on life. His insights remind us that the most fundamental principles we learn in early childhood can guide us toward a more compassionate and harmonious existence.
The Essential Kindergarten Lessons
Sharing and Fairness
- Share everything - fostering generosity and community
- Play fair - promoting trust and equitable treatment
- Don't hit people - embracing nonviolence and peaceful conflict resolution
Responsibility and Respect
- Put things back where you found them
- Clean up your own mess
- Don't take things that aren't yours
- Say sorry when you hurt somebody
Personal Care and Wellness
- Wash your hands before eating
- Flush
- Enjoy warm cookies and cold milk
- Take afternoon naps
- Live a balanced life through:
- Learning
- Thinking
- Creating art
- Singing and dancing
- Playing and working
Community and Safety
When venturing into the world:
- Watch out for traffic
- Hold hands
- Stick together
Fulghum's Profound Quotes
On Peace and Personal Growth
- "Peace is not something you wish for; it's something you make, something you do, something you are, and something you give away."
- "The grass is greenest where it is watered. When crossing over fences, carry water with you and tend the grass wherever you may be."
On Love and Connection
- "We're all a little weird... when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness—and call it love."
- "In the grand scheme of things, the universe is not asking us to be perfect. It is simply asking us to participate."
Essential Robert Fulghum Reading List
Must-Read Books
- "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten"
- "It Was On Fire When I Lay Down On It"
- "Uh-Oh: Some Observations from Both Sides of the Refrigerator Door"
- "From Beginning to End: The Rituals of Our Lives"
- "Third Wish"
- "What on Earth Have I Done?: Stories, Observations, and Affirmations"
Conclusion
Fulghum's kindergarten lessons, though simple, contain timeless wisdom that can transform our daily lives. By embracing these fundamental principles, we can create more meaningful connections, live more authentically, and contribute to a more compassionate world.