I think that being an aviator and having the ability to move around and meet the many people in the world, with all their differences and similarities, changes a person profoundly. The perspective in life becomes "believe and anything is possible." Because a basic understanding of humanity is almost inevitable.
For all our shortcomings, that glimpse of greatness is evident and inescapable when you meet so many great people. Jonathan Livingston Seagull was the very first book about flying I ever read, it permeated my childhood soul with a desire to travel and understand.
I believe that book was the reflection of the very personal transformation of Richard Bach. He wrote it so simply that any child could read it and yet one could at a very young age glean so much from it. I recently picked it up again, and was awed by its simplicity. There are some very basic simple messages:
Strive to be the best that you can.
Don’t long for approval from others.
Don’t forget to share your hard won knowledge with others.
There is more... In a very simple way, he shows us that anyone can help improve the world, but it also conveys the fun, the adventure, the thrill of searching for new horizons, of soaring high into the sky and seeing things from that unique vantage point. It does give one a different perspective. I hope you enjoy it. I recommend it for your kids too
Dharma
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Glad you brought this book up: I'm afraid a lot of younger folks out there will miss this gem.
ReplyDeleteSo many of us were inspired to learn to fly by it and I don't see much new writing to take its place.
Nearly anything by Mr Bach is delightful, insightful, and fun to read.
Illusions
Gift of Wings
Stranger to the Ground
Biplane
Nothing By Chance
Out of My Mind
Air Ferrets Aloft
All aviation themed.