Richard Bach wrote Jonathan Livingston
Seagull in 1970. Jonathan, the central character, is a seagull who is not happy to live as his peers, which he sees as merely existing and using their
flying ability only to find food. He dreams of flying higher and faster than his friends and through the pursuit of this goal comes to be seen as a nonconformist. Jonathan becomes an outcast and spends the rest of his days alone but doing that which he finds most enjoyable. At the end of his days Jonathan is taken to a different plane where he finds many gulls that believe as he does. Here he is encouraged to continue to excel and eventually learns to fly beyond his highest expectations. In a move of self-sacrifice Jonathan returns to his home and begins to teach others what he has learned. This novel, on a deeper level, explores man’s nature to learn and improve and perhaps defy tradition. Deeper still, it is the story of a soul learning to pursue perfection, the ultimate goal. After his death, which is not considered death, as the consciousness does not end, Jonathan continues to learn and become closer to perfect and later realizes he needs to return to his former world. Through his self-sacrifice in returning he is also able to continue his pursuit of
perfection while helping others to do the same.
In Jonathan Livingston Seagull Bach is teaching that this
world is not the end, there are others; that material pursuits are not the reason we are in this world; that
death is not an end, but a
new beginning to a new lesson; that we can give ourselves freedom to soar like Jonathan if we can allow ourselves to listen to our hearts and even when it goes against the accepted ways. It is written as a classic children’s
fable and as a fable teaches a lesson. Bach teaches the reader that through tenacity and perseverance our goals can be achieved and obstacles can be overcome. In addition, the themes of freedom and individuality are explored. Bach has carried many of these ideals to his own life, adopting a new age style and teaching others to excel. Jonathan Livingston Seagull uses symbolism and metaphor throughout this book to bring the author’s point home. This book was a best seller and remains popular. It is a classic and is still on the reading list in many schools.
Richard Bach was born on June 23, 1936 in Oakpark, Illinois. He attended college and went on to become a pilot in the Air Force reserve. Many of his books contain flight references. His works include Stranger to the Ground 1963, Biplane 1966, A Gift of Wings 1974, Illusions 1977, and Flying 2003. He is a direct descendant of the composer Johan Sebastian Bach. Jonathan Livingston Seagull was made into a major motion picture.
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