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Sometimes the algorithms recommend something actually worthwhile. I’d never heard of this book nor Robert Fulghum. Turns out, he’s a pretty big deal. And this book is a pretty big deal. Who knew? (Apparently, lots of people.) This book has very little to do with kindergarten itself, but it does highlight some simple life lessons that any 5-year-old should be able to comprehend. Kindness, sharing, empathy, living a balanced life. Oh, and naps. We should really take more naps. My All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten – Robert Fulghum book review.
All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten Summary
All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things by Robert Fulghum is a collection of essays that distills life’s essential lessons into simple, universal truths. The book’s central premise is that the foundational principles for leading a good life—like sharing, being kind, cleaning up after yourself, and living with wonder—are lessons most people first encounter in kindergarten. It was first published in 1986.
Fulghum uses humorous and heartfelt anecdotes from his own life to illustrate these principles, touching on topics like friendship, responsibility, and the importance of imagination. Essays range from the whimsical (the joy of nap time) to the profound (finding meaning in everyday rituals). Despite its light tone, the book often carries a deeper message about how small actions and attitudes shape a fulfilling life.
It’s a mix of folksy wisdom, nostalgic charm, and sly humor. It’s a reminder that life doesn’t have to be as complicated as we often make it. The lessons and “morals of the story” are pretty universal – there is no specific religious guidance or obvious bias in the themes.
Who is Robert Fulghum?
According to Wikipedia, there are more than 17 million copies of his print books out in the world. 103 countries. 27 languages. Robert Fulghum is a pretty big deal. He is an American author, essayist, and Unitarian minister, best known for his humorous and reflective essays that celebrate the ordinary moments of life. Born on June 4, 1937, in Waco, Texas, Fulghum held various jobs in his youth, including ditch-digger, ranch hand, and singing cowboy. He earned a degree in theology and served as a Unitarian parish minister for 22 years in the Pacific Northwest. He also taught drawing, painting, and philosophy at the prestigious Lakeside School in Seattle.
Fulghum rose to fame in 1986 with his debut book, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten (the one you’re reading about now), which became a bestseller and cultural touchstone. The book’s simple yet profound essays emphasize basic life lessons and values, such as sharing, playing fair, and taking time to enjoy life’s small pleasures. His subsequent works, including It Was on Fire When I Lay Down on It and Uh-Oh, followed a similar pattern of blending humor, wisdom, and poignant storytelling, earning him a loyal readership.
Fulghum’s career extends beyond writing; he is a musician, painter, and performer. His works have been translated into multiple languages, and he remains a celebrated figure internationally, particularly in the Czech Republic, where his books and stage adaptations have been highly popular. Fulghum divides his time between Moab, Utah, and the Greek island of Crete, continuing to write, create art, and engage with audiences around the world.
A beautiful self-description of Fulghum from his own website:
“Often, without realizing it, we fill important places in each other’s lives. It’s that way with the guy at the corner grocery, the mechanic at the local garage, the family doctor, teachers, coworkers, and neighbors. Good people who are always “there,” who can be relied upon in small, ordinary ways. People who, by example, teach us, bless us, encourage us, support us, uplift us in the daily-ness of life.
I want to be one of those.”
-Robert Lee Fulghum
How do you pronounce Robert Fulghum’s Last Name Anyway?
Robert Fulghum pronunciation:
Robert Fulghum’s last name is pronounced FULL-jum (rhymes with “pull them”). It’s a relatively straightforward pronunciation, but the spelling can throw people off. If you’re ever in doubt, just lean into the first syllable and smooth out the rest—Fulghum would likely appreciate the effort. Pronunciation confirmed by stating his own name in this video:
Robert Fulghum Books in Order:
Here is a list of Robert Fulghum’s books in order (only English non-fiction books listed.) If (when) I review each, I’ll add a link to my review. You’re welcome.
- All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten (1986) A collection of essays that share life lessons with wit and wisdom.
- the one I’m reviewing now
- It Was on Fire When I Lay Down on It (1988) Essays continuing in the vein of his first book, with quirky and thought-provoking anecdotes.
- Uh-Oh (1991) Observations on life’s uncertainties, often with a humorous twist.
- Maybe (Maybe Not): Second Thoughts from a Secret Life (1993) Essays exploring doubt, self-reflection, and human connections.
- From Beginning to End: The Rituals of Our Lives (1995) A look at the importance and meaning of rituals in daily life.
- True Love (1997) A collection of real-life love stories shared with Fulghum.
- Words I Wish I Wrote (1997) Reflections on words and quotes that have inspired Fulghum over the years.
- What on Earth Have I Done? Stories, Observations, and Affirmations (2007) Another set of thoughtful, humorous essays examining modern life.
Now onto the rating! Everything I Really Need to Know… Robert Fulghum book review:
My innovative system for rating humor books is explained here
Wholesomeness Score: 5/5
This book is as wholesome as kindergarten itself. (At least my experience in kindergarten.) Fulghum comes off as a gentle soul who want to share his thoughts and experiences to help the world become a kinder, better place. Maybe few outdated references (from this 1986 book), but nothing that should raise any eyebrows. Remember 1986? We were so naive back then!
Hilarity Score: 2/5
All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten is funny. Not in a knee-slapping, gut-busting, outrageous humor sort of way. But in a warm, gentle chuckle sort of way. I didn’t L.O.L. during the book, but I did smile and silently snicker at some of Fulghum’s whimsical anecdotes. It felt like the appropriate amount of humor throughout this book of Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things.
Overall Book Awesomeness Score: 4/5
This was a great introduction to Robert Fulghum’s work (for me.) I love the style of somewhat-random “stream-of-consciousness” storytelling that encourages one to think a little deeper about the simple things in life. Some might say Scott Johnson’s Essays Out of Left Field is a similarly, yet modernized humorous, inspiring collection of life lesson essays in the same mode of Fulghum’s “Kindergarten“. (No one actually said that to my knowledge, but they might say that.)
Things I liked:
- clean humor
- simple life lessons with profound impact
Things I didn’t like:
- the fact that this book was written/published in the mid 80s. Some of the references are outdated.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Everything I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten
My favorite style of writing is nonfiction essays that find insight, humor, and inspiration from every day, common experiences. To be clear, that’s the type of pieces I attempt to write, therefore they are my favorite. When I discovered Robert Fulghum’s All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, I found a new mentor. I’ve added the rest of his work to my T.B.R. list. (To Be Read, in case you weren’t aware of that widely accepted bookish acronym.)
Just so you know – I could get an affiliate commission if you link from my site and buy a product. Hopefully, I’ll accumulate enough affiliate commission to buy myself a coffee someday! Not Starbucks or anything like that. But maybe a plain small coffee from a gas station on the edge of town.
