“Jonathan Livingston Seagull” is Richard Bach’s 1970 masterpiece and tells the story of the seagull Jonathan, who pursues an ideal of life superior to that of other seagulls. It is a spiritual and metaphorical fable, full of infinite food for thought that can be useful to us in everyday life if we too want to “take flight”.
Here are the 5 main lessons we can learn from this wonderful classic.
1. The majority is not always right
Jonathan refuses to be like the other seagulls who are content to fly only to get food. He wants to fly higher and learn new flying techniques. This life choice is contested and mocked by the entire flock, including his own parents. Jonathan’s choice will instead turn out to be the right one.
2. Sometimes solitude is our friend
The protagonist refuses to conform to the masses and breaks away from the flock that would have hindered him, preventing him from achieving his goals. This choice entails a long period of solitude. But it is precisely during these moments when he finds himself alone with himself that Jonathan learns to master the art of flight.
3. Helping others to be better makes us better
Once he has learned the true art of flight, Jonathan, instead of being overcome by pride, feels the moral duty to temporarily return to his flock to teach the other seagulls everything he has learned. He does not fear that others may fly as high as he does, but desires happiness for all.
4. When we leave those who don’t deserve us, we find those who are more like us
At the end of his journey, Jonathan finds himself in another dimension surrounded by seagulls who, just like him, want to fly high and are therefore moved by higher feelings. And it is with them that he can finally relate happily and share the joy of his achievements.
5. The purpose of life is to improve
Jonathan understands that living is not surviving, but bringing light to one’s potential and becoming the best version of oneself. Improvement requires dedication, perseverance and courage, but it is the true reason why we are in the world.
P.S.: you can find the book Here
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“The eyes see only what is limited. Look with your intellect and discover what you already know. Then you will learn how to fly.”
Richard Bach
