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Fulghum Encourages The Thoughtful Existence

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By KATHY L. GREENBERG

Published: November 11, 2007

"What on Earth Have I Done? Stories, Observations, and Affirmations," by Robert Fulghum (St. Martin's Press, $23)

In his 1986 best seller, "All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten," Robert Fulghum figured that 5-year-olds might grow into decent adults if they followed a few basic rules. His message was as simple as a box of Crayola crayons: Be aware and be considerate.

Twenty years later, "What on Earth Have I Done?" reconfirms this timeless kernel of wisdom for anyone who has forgotten, denied or craved affirmation of its validity.

Fulghum might be called a "panthropologist." Wherever he goes, he observes and records behavioral patterns in nature, be it human, dog or fly. He pays attention to the smallest details and marvels at their connection to the big picture.

In his latest work, he synthesizes two decades of random observations into a guide for enjoying a thoughtful life. This new collection of insights adds to and proves his earlier theory. He stresses by word and deed that it's not enough to know the rules of conduct; the point is to live by them.

The author's conversational writing style is cheeky. He doesn't mock human or animal idiosyncrasies. Rather, he views them with grandfatherly glee, tenderness and wonder. Some anecdotes and the few inspirational poems included seem superfluous, but the overall support for a kinder world outweighs the surplus.

Kathy L. Greenberg of Tampa is a freelance writer.

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