Robert F. Fulghum
Robert F. Fulghum is an American author and speaker best known for his books All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten and It Was On Fire When I Lay Down on It. He is also the author of two novels and several volumes of essays, sermons, poetry and songs, some of which have been adapted for stage and screen.
Fulghum was born in Waco, Texas, and raised in Houston, Texas. After studying at the University of North Texas, he served as a pilot in South Korea and earned a masters degree in religious studies at the University of Southern California. He then served as a Congregational minister in an inner-city Seattle, Washington parish.
His first book was All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten (1988), which was an international bestseller. The book is composed of a collection of essays, each of them entitled “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten”. The essays reflect on the day-to-day life of ordinary people and the lessons, morals, and reflections that can be gleaned from them. Common themes in the essays include: admiration for daily acts of heroism, belief in the goodness of people, and the importance of human connection.
Fulghum went on to write several successful books, such as It Was On Fire When I Lay Down on It (1994), Uh-Oh: Some Observations From Both Sides of the Refrigerator Door (1998), From Beginning to End: The Rituals of Our Lives (1999), and True Love (2005).
Fulghum has also been a frequent lecturer at universities, private and public organizations, and also at TED talks. He has also appeared on television shows such as The Oprah Winfrey Show and Late Night with Conan OBrien. He currently lives in Seattle with his wife, Trina.
Fulghums work has touched the lives of many readers. His books have been translated into many languages and read all over the world. His writing is often acclaimed for its empowering message, thoughtful observations, and simple yet captivating prose. His signature piece of advice is summed up in a single quote: Love is the ultimate wisdom. Love is the ultimate truth.
