Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Overview
Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach is the perfect book to read while lounging seaside. It's not incredibly long and can be completed over the course of a lazy afternoon. The story follows the journey of a young and ambitious seagull named Jonathan Livingston who sees a different path than that of the flock. Of course, he is met with hardship for his differing views, but that doesn’t stop him from pursuing his dreams. In addition to telling an inspiring story filled with analogies like, “The gull sees farthest who flies highest.”, it is also deeply metaphysical, weaving in the tenets of Buddhism. It's a lighthearted twist on some age-old concepts.
Additional Thoughts
In addition to the story, interspersed are pages with photographs of seagulls by Rusell Munson. Sadly, the quality of the photos have come under scrutiny in some circles online. First and foremost, the reader should be reminded that the book was originally published in 1970. As such, I appreciate the pixelated, black and white images that are spread throughout the story. They remind me of how far we have come as a society and the advancements we have made technologically. In what I feel could have never been the intention, the dated photos are a perfect addition to a story in which the main character undergoes such drastic transformation.
A few of my favorite quotes from the book!
We can lift ourselves out of ignorance, we can find ourselves as creatures of excellence and intelligence and skill. We can be free! We can learn to fly!Jonathan Livingston SeagullRichard Bach : Jonathan Livingston Seagull
We choose our next world through what we learn in this one.SullivanRichard Bach : Jonathan Livingston Seagull
You must begin by knowing that you have already arrived.ChiangRichard Bach : Jonathan Livingston Seagull
It always works, when you know what you’re doing.ChiangRichard Bach : Jonathan Livingston Seagull
The gull sees farthest who flies highest.ChiangRichard Bach : Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Over space, and all we have is Here. Overcome time, and all we have left is Now.Jonathan Livingston SeagullRichard Bach : Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Everything that limits us we have to put aside.Jonathan Livingston SeagullRichard Bach : Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Break the chains of your thought, and you break the chains of your body, too.Jonathan Livingston SeagullRichard Bach : Jonathan Livingston Seagull
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