Robert Fulghum’s acclaimed book, All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, published over 25 years ago, continues to resonate deeply with readers worldwide. Its simple yet profound essays offer timeless wisdom, reminding us that the most crucial life lessons are often the ones we learn in our earliest years. Like many, I encountered Fulghum’s insightful work years ago and was immediately captivated by its gentle truths. I even created a small reminder for myself – an 8×11 sheet featuring his essay, laminated and magnetized, which has held a prominent place on my refrigerator ever since. Periodically revisiting Fulghum’s words, I am consistently struck by their enduring relevance.
As we approach the year’s end, a time often associated with reflection and resolutions for self-improvement, it feels particularly apt to revisit these fundamental principles. Imagine the positive transformation in our homes, communities, nations, and the world if everyone embraced these straightforward truths: cleaning up our own messes, living a balanced life, and supporting one another.
This sentiment is perfectly encapsulated in Fulghum’s own words:
“All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sand pile at school.”
These are the core tenets of kindergarten wisdom that Fulghum highlights:
- Share everything.
- Play fair.
- Don’t hit people.
- Put things back where you found them.
- Clean up your own mess.
- Don’t take things that aren’t yours.
- Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.
- Wash your hands before you eat.
- Flush.
- Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
- Live a balanced life – learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
- Take a nap every afternoon.
- When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
- Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
- Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup – they all die. So do we.
- And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned – the biggest word of all – LOOK.
Fulghum eloquently argues that within these seemingly simple kindergarten rules lie the foundations for a fulfilling and ethical life. He suggests that “Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living.”
The beauty of Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten book lies in its ability to extrapolate these basic principles to complex adult scenarios. Consider any of these kindergarten lessons and apply them to your personal relationships, professional endeavors, or even global issues. The wisdom holds true. Imagine a world where governments adhered to the kindergarten rule of putting things back where they found them and cleaning up their own messes. Or picture the collective peace and contentment if everyone paused for cookies and milk in the afternoon followed by a refreshing nap!
The Enduring Power of Simple Principles
The closing thought of Fulghum’s essay is particularly poignant: “And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out in the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.” This simple image of unity and mutual support resonates deeply, reminding us of the importance of community and connection throughout life’s journey.
Over the years, the enduring appeal of these kindergarten lessons has led to various interpretations and presentations of Fulghum’s work. The visual and printable versions, like the ones shared here, offer accessible reminders of these core values.
Download Large Print Version
Robert Fulghum’s All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten is more than just a book; it’s a gentle guide to living a more meaningful and connected life. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of simplicity and the timeless wisdom found in the most basic of lessons. Perhaps revisiting these kindergarten principles is exactly what we need to navigate the complexities of the modern world and build a brighter future, together.
To delve deeper into Fulghum’s insightful essays, explore his website at Robert Fulghum or purchase the book All I Really Need to Know I Learned In Kindergarten on Amazon.
