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Loading... Jonathan Livingston Seagull (original 1970; edition 1976)by Richard Bach
Work InformationJonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach (1970)
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Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. This story is a cute reimagining of the Christian story of Jesus, using a seagull who aspires to an existence beyond the simple gathering of food. It was published in the 1970’s - a leftover artifact of the hippy free love revolution the late 60’s, and while there’s a nice story about morality and the value of perseverance, it’s fairly shallow. Still, for what amounts to an elaborate short story, I found it entertaining and engaging and something worth reading. Not the earth shattering "this is the bestestest/my most favourite as a child/ I live by this book" book I had suspected or heard it to be.[return][return]I can see where there are points for deeper thought than I am currently ready or willing to give it - lots of areas for "stand out from the crowd" "dont be restricted by thought", "follow your dreams", (Is he really the messiah/Son of Gulls?") type questions that I am currently not in the place to follow up or entertain. Glad to have read it, but wont be delving deeper into its no doubt worthy and deeper questions and subject matter.
Fernão Capelo Gaivota é uma proposta de superação às nossas limitações. Uma crença na força que provém do nosso mundo interior. Em cada um de nós existe um Fernão Capelo Gaivota… Belongs to Publisher SeriesAwardsDistinctionsNotable Lists
Because he spends so much time perfecting his flying form instead of concentrating on getting food, a seagull is ostracized by the rest of the flock. No library descriptions found. |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)813.54Literature English (North America) American fiction 20th Century 1945-1999LC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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At its heart, Richard Bach's novella is not simply a story about a bird; it's a philosophical exploration of personal freedom, the relentless pursuit of excellence, and the quest for meaning. Like Jonathan Gull, I've often traveled my own path, driven by a cocksure belief that there's more to life than the conventional pursuits of my peers (girls, booze, football, etc.). If this resonates with you and your own stirrings of discontent, then this tale might just speak to you too.
My journey, much like Jonathan's, was shaped by an insatiable curiosity and a refusal to bow to the limitations imposed by others. Self-improvement—learning—was part of my fabric. I was propelled not by a need for recognition but by a desire to make a difference and achieve the (mostly non-material) things I wanted to achieve. In Jonathan's relentless (and often frustrating) efforts to master flight, this same desire was evident. His story reflects every person's potential to transcend their own (and externally imposed) limits through hard work and self-improvement.
I must admit, the spiritual aspects of Jonathan's journey—his ascent to higher realms—remain as elusive to me now as they did forty years ago. (I didn't understand it in Bach's other work of the 70s, Illusions, either.) The spiritual quest still escapes my full grasp, yet I sense its importance to those in search of meaning (and perhaps solace?) beyond the tangible. In this light, I can appreciate Jonathan's ascension as a metaphor for the journey toward enlightenment.
The most relatable aspect of Jonathan's saga is, perhaps, his resilience in the face of adversity. From challenges in my childhood to those in my career, I've faced my share of skeptics and barriers. Yet, I chose never to quit, even when tempted. My strength, much like Jonathan's, came through perseverance despite being ostracized by his flock. Passion. Dedication. These are the bedrocks of conviction, the forces that propel us forward despite obstacles.
Reflecting on the structure of Jonathan Livingston Seagull, it's now strikingly obvious how Bach divided the tale into three distinct parts, each echoing a distinct stage in life's journey—a nuance my teen self completely missed. The first part captures the zeal of youth, reflecting curiosity and defiance of conventions. The second examines introspection and learning, like the soul-searching I did in middle age. The final segment, where Jonathan becomes a teacher and mentor, reflects the later stages of life, where sharing wisdom and guiding others becomes a newfound purpose.
Duh. But not too obvious to someone still in the throes of adolescence.
However, now that I'm enlightened, I can see the book's enduring message:
This quote encapsulates the essence of Bach's work—the belief in the boundless potential of the individual to learn and grow. I've lived in many worlds throughout my life, each one distinct (and perhaps better?) than the last, enriched by lessons learned from both success and failure.
Whether you're in pursuit of personal freedom, dedicated to self-improvement, or a resilient soul navigating adversity, you can grow and succeed. Jonathan Gull's story reminds us that we can soar to heights previously unimagined, so long as we are willing to spread our wings. ( )