I don’t know about you all, but when I was younger, I adored Dr. Seuss books. They inspired me to rhyme like I’ve never rhymed before. Not only that, but they spawned many fun days in the library or at school around Christmas time. Dr. Seuss was probably one of the first authors I ever remembered the name of. Some of his works were just plain silly while others obviously carried morals and lessons on how to be a good human being. Without further ado, here is my list of five lessons learned from Dr. Seuss!
Green Eggs and Ham
The entire book is premised around some unnamed character being hassled by Sam-I-Am about eating some green eggs and ham. When I was younger, I was completely on Sam-I-Am’s side, but looking at it from where my mental state is today, I have to say that the entire premise was strange. Some weirdo just randomly approaches you with a plate carrying odd-colored food and pesters you to try it? No thanks. You don’t like what you don’t like and what’s strange is strange, but don’t say you don’t like it before you try. I’m assuming you’ve read the book, but (SPOILER) the unnamed character tries the green eggs and ham- and he likes them. So basically, he spent practically the whole time answering ridiculous questions only to give in and find his efforts were wasted because he likes what he’s been offered! What a waste of time.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Oh, dear. Growing up has hit many in a way I never thought it would. Many became the Grinch: antisocial, isolated, grouchy, and self-absorbed. Here’s the thing, the Grinch had his perspective all wrong. He distanced himself from the joy of Christmas and company. From the outside looking in, he thought that Christmas was a wretched time and wanted to ruin it for everybody. He didn’t even know why he hated Christmas so much. It was only because he left himself vulnerable to thoughts about what Christmas is. After he stole everything and still heard the joyous singing, he didn’t grow more bitter instead, he thought. He thought about whether he was right or wrong. He thought about the purpose of his actions and their actions. Then he came to a resolution to return all he stole. This story serves as a reminder to be reflective, even if it’s hard.
I Am Not Going to Get Up Today!
This was one of my favorite books in first grade. I related so well with the boy who decides he really is not getting up. He doesn’t care about the buffet, the news, or the military. When you need sleep, you need sleep. Don’t be lazy, but make sure you’re getting enough rest. In life with roommates, it can sometimes be difficult to get decent sleep due to them being loud at late hours or early hours in the morning. Sometimes, you just need to tell yourself what you’re going to do and do it. Let your yes be yes and your no be no.
Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!
Our brains can imagine things we have never seen or experienced. This is a great thing! Dr. Seuss was quick to emphasize this as the story (if it can even be called such, tells the reader of all the things they can think of. As we grow up, we tend to disconnect with our imagination and forget the power of our own minds. This book inspires us to engage our imagination, even if it’s silly and nonsensical.
You’re Only Old Once!
This story is one of Dr. Seuss’s less popular books. Let me tell you why: instead of being nonsensical and generally child-friendly, You’re Only Old Once is more realistic and geared toward an older (much older) people group. The story features an older man who visits the doctor only to be tested in many ways and put in the waiting room where he talks to a fish. He is later forced to sign wills so that after he dies, the rest of the payments for the medical services will be passed on to his children. Depressing, right?
I learned three things from this story. First, take care of your body. How you treat it when you’re younger adds up when you’re older. Precaution and prevention is the best protection against a fate like this old man. Of course, there will be wear-and-tear, but that can be reduced with a healthy lifestyle (I say reluctantly as I continue to live a rather unhealthy lifestyle). Secondly, Live your life to the fullest. It’s going to end someday. Someday you won’t be able to do the things you always could do like touch your toes or eat at buffets. Don’t take the little things for granted and enjoy every moment. Thirdly, bring entertainment to the doctor’s office so you don’t have to talk to fish. That fish didn’t even like talking to the man. Entertainment can serve as a small distraction from anxiety at the doctor’s office.
There you have it! These are five lessons learned from Dr. Seuss! What are some lessons you learned from your favorite children’s book?