Jonathan Livingston Seagull – Richard Bach

“You have the freedom to be yourself, your true self"

This book is counted amongst the best spiritual and self-help classics of the previous century. You will find it quoted and referenced in many places, and this was the prime reason I picked up this book.

After reading it, I can say that it is a good read, not just due to the concise manner in which it deals with heavy topics like spirituality, individuality and dream chasing, but because the simplicity of language and allegorical references used, make it easy to forget that the story has a deeper meaning (whether this is a plus or a minus, I will let you judge for yourselves). While reading the story, I felt that at times, it was abrupt, concentrating more on the end results or teachings rather than providing actual justification or the rational behind the views given. Maybe a deeper discussion or justification of the ideas would have helped both the 'Breakfast flock' and the readers. Then again, as is often said, actions speak louder than birds*, the obvious happiness and greatness achieved by Jonathan Livingstone, can be a regarded as a more proper justification of his views, than any other.

The book tells the story of a misfit bird, Jonathan Livingston, whose sole goal in life is to fly faster and with more control. He stays away from his flock and concentrates all his energy on flying. Upset by his attitude and believing him to be wrong, the flock banishes Jonathan. Despite becoming an outcast, Jonathan sticks with his love of flying and keeps on practicing. His practice and perseverance are rewarded when he meets another flock of gulls, who love flying as much as he does and are willing to teach him. Under the guidance of his new teachers, Jonathan learns a lot about flying, life and spirituality, until he decides to spread the message amongst his old flock and leaves his new one to go back.

Reasons to read it:

• In just a few pages, the story teaches you a lot about the importance of living your dreams and not giving up, despite setbacks.
• The importance of ideas, the benefits of keeping an open mind, all of it is discussed allegorically using flight and birds as the medium.
• “When you want something badly enough, the whole universe conspires to help you achieve it” . The power of ideas and the innate ability in each of us, to shape our life as we wish are discussed.
• The book also talks about the responsibility of the strong to help the weak. Something in direct conflict with the teachings of Ayn Rand( ps: will put up The Fountainhead's review soon ).
   

Memorable Quotes: 

“He was not bone and feather but a perfect idea of freedom and flight, limited by nothing at all”   

“We can lift ourselves out of ignorance, we can find ourselves as creatures of excellence and intelligence and skill.” 

“Heaven is not a place, and it's not a time. Heaven is being perfect.”

“Overcome space, and all we have left is Here. Overcome time, and all we have left is Now.”  

The above were just a few of the large number of themes the author touched in this short book. Read it and do comment if you like it.

*Its actually words, but birds seems to suit this particular review better.