59 pages • 1 hour read
All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things
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Robert Fulghum
Fulghum positions himself as both an observer and a philosopher who mines depth from life’s everyday occurrences. His first-person narrative voice, characterized by humor, introspection, and informality, blends personal anecdotes with existential questions, making his work accessible and thought-provoking. Fulghum introduces himself as an everyman, whose routine activities and interactions prompt reflections on grander themes such as community, the passage of time, and the human condition. His essay “San Diego Zoo” is emblematic of how he uses a simple scenario, like observing animals, to ponder broader ideas.
Throughout his collection, Fulghum’s role evolves from mere observer to thoughtful sage; he appreciates the interconnectedness of all experiences. This evolution is evident in his essay “Reflection,” where he revisits insights from the original edition of All I Really Need to Know to demonstrate how his perspectives have deepened over time. He champions a life of mindfulness, inviting his readers to view their everyday lives through a lens of wonder and contemplation, and establishes himself as a friendly guide through the quandaries of daily life. Fulghum articulates a philosophy where life, in all its ordinariness, is full of lessons, suggesting that wisdom is ever-renewing, and accumulates through ongoing engagement with the world.
Elias Schwartz/Eli Angel
Elias Schwartz, whose real name is Eli Angel, embodies kindness, community spirit, and the transformative power of simple acts of generosity. “Haiho Lama” and “Angels” reveal these traits through anecdotes of how Schwartz/Angel impacted his community, exemplifying moral and ethical living.
In “Haiho Lama,” Fulghum uses Schwartz/Angel’s work as a cobbler to demonstrate that holiness can manifest in everyday actions and professions. “Angels” further develops Schwartz/Angel’s character, describing his life’s journey and the ethos guiding his actions. He cultivates an atmosphere of goodwill and compassion, reinforcing the narrative that one person’s actions can significantly affect many. This story connects his life to a larger discussion about the unseen angels among us, those who touch lives without seeking recognition. Schwartz/Angel serves as a catalyst for Fulghum’s reflections on the impact of individual actions. His character encourages readers to acknowledge and value the hidden depths in others and to consider the ripple effects of kindness. Through Schwartz/Angel, Fulghum articulates a hopeful, affirmative view of humanity, suggesting that real “angels” are present in everyday life, offering both literal and metaphorical repairs: fixing shoes and, symbolically, mending the spirit.
Larry Walters
Larry Walters, as portrayed in Fulghum’s essays, is an adventurous and imaginative individual whose unconventional actions offer a reflection on human aspirations and the boundaries of conventional thinking. In “Larry Walters,” Fulghum recounts the tale of Walters who, bored with the mundanity of everyday life, attached 45 helium balloons to a lawn chair and ascended into the airspace of Los Angeles International Airport. This stunt reflects Walters’ longing for freedom and adventure, showcasing his extraordinary, albeit reckless, courage and curiosity. Walters’ character exemplifies a quintessential dreamer, driven by a potent mix of ingenuity and whimsy. His lawn chair flight is symbolic of breaking free from the constraints of ordinary life, and pursuing one’s dreams no matter how absurd. Fulghum uses Walters’ story to emphasize the human spirit’s capacity to reach for the improbable and to inspire others to consider possibilities beyond the everyday.
However, Fulghum reflects on the aftermath of Walters’ flight in “The Truth About Larry Walters,” portraying him as a tragic figure whose life illustrates the cost of dreaming. This subsequent narrative deepens Walter’s character, portraying how his actions, while inspirational, also bring about unforeseen repercussions, including legal troubles and personal despair that ultimately led him to die by suicide. Through the character of Larry Walters, Fulghum explores themes of ambition, freedom, and the thin line between genius and folly.
Mr. Washington (The Man Next Door)
Mr. Washington lived next door to Fulghum in the 1960s. A Black man who takes pride in his home, his cooking, and his profession, Mr. Washington offers comic relief and sage advice. His and Fulghum’s love for jazz and philosophical discussions bridges their racial and ideological differences, touching on themes of community, kindness, and the power of shared experiences.
Mr. Washington’s influence continues to resonate with Fulghum even after his passing, as Fulghum fondly recalls the laughter and life lessons his neighbor imparted. Mr. Washington, a figure of stability and routine, serves as a foil to Fulghum’s philosophical meanderings. His character does not so much transform as it deepens, providing a grounding effect for Fulghum’s narratives. His meticulous care for his yard, emphasizing order and predictability, contrasts with Fulghum’s more laissez-faire attitudes, enhancing the narrative’s exploration of life’s myriad rhythms: chaotic and ordered, transient and permanent. The dynamic between them is encapsulated during their conversation in “Dandelions,” where Mr. Washington responds, “Flowers? […] Those are weeds!“ (199). This interaction encapsulates their differing worldviews and prompts a reevaluation of what it means to live harmoniously within one’s environment.
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