Robert Fulghum

Since I already wrote about Erma Bombeck, I think it is but fair to also mention another fave author of mine: Robert Fulghum. Just like mareng Erma, I was introduced to the writings of pareng Robert in highschool. I think it was during my first year in High school when we were first given copies of his famous article "All I Really Need to Know I learned in Kndergarten." And since then I was hooked. Like mareng Erma, I particularly like pareng Robert's humor and wit. And the way he gets life's profound lessons in our daily routine. Aside from his most famous book, I also have copies of "Uh-Oh", "It was on Fire When I lay on it", and "The Rituals of our Lives."

And just like Erma, I also have compiled my favorite Robert Fulghum quotes such as:

- One of life's best coping mechanisms is to know the difference between an inconvenience and a problem. If you break your neck, if you have nothing to eat, if your house is on fire, then you've got a problem. Everything else is an inconvenience. Life is inconvenient. Life is lumpy. A lump in the oatmeal, a lump in the throat and a lump in the breast are not the same kind of lump. One needs to learn the difference. (I always remember this everytime I encounter a challenge. hence, when in a tough situation, I ask myself: Problem or inconveniene? Funny but that simple question always brought clarity to my thoughts.)

- I don't think the thing is to be well known, but being worth knowing.

- To love something and to possess it are two different things.

- I've always thought anyone can make money. Making a life worth living, that's the real test.

- What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? (PGMA, are you reading this?? Hope you are!)

And my all time favorite is his credo:

I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge —

That myth is more potent than history.

I believe 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.

Madami pa sha actually magandang lessons but most of these are in narratives. If you like light, inspiration readings, go and grab a copy of any of his books. Believe me, after you read one or two of his anecdotes, you will be sleeping with a smile on your face.

Happy reading!!