Focused through a child's eyes

“I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. That dreams are more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe that love is stronger than death.” –  Robert Fulghum

When I give talks on writing I like to reference Fulghum, who celebrated his 79^th birthday yesterday and continues to be as inspiring as always in his thoughts on life, learning and paying attention to the world around us.  I’ve had a couple of occasions to see and hear him speak and he has the ability to mesmerize his audience with his downhome maxims and life lessons.       

I especially like his tale of an old Greek sage who finds a piece of broken mirror, shapes and polishes it, and then spends time reflecting light into previously darkened or unseen places.  “Reflecting light on the unseen is not only worthwhile, but it really should be the meaning of life,” says the old sage.   And, Fulghum adds, the goal of every writer.

Author of the international best-seller, Everything I need to know I learned in Kindergarten, Fulghum finds uncommon ideas and actions in common, everyday things.  His books have been published in 27 languages in 103 countries with a prose style that is simple, direct and life affirming.  And, Fulghum – a Universalist Unitarian minister and says that his writing is a key part of his ministry – said that everyone can learn more about the world through the eyes of a child.

  

“Don't worry that children never listen to you,” Fulghum said.  “Worry that they are always watching you.”

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