All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things

The essay opens with Fulghum’s reflection on how his work as a minister puts him in close proximity to death, and how this awareness of mortality shapes his life choices. It also draws him to places like the Buffalo Tavern, whose house band brings together a diverse crowd on Saturday nights. One night, an unassuming Indigenous man captivates the tavern with his exceptional dancing skills. His dance with a biker’s girlfriend evolves into a spirited celebration that envelops the entire crowd, symbolizing a collective defiance of the inevitability of death. This moment of unity and joy, where patrons dance throughout the tavern, serves as a reminder to embrace life’s fleeting pleasures.

Fulghum reflects on the contrast between commercialized expressions of love, like store displays for Valentine’s Day, and the more genuine, heartfelt expressions that come from personal connections. He describes a treasured, homemade Valentine’s gift from his children—a decorated shoebox filled with childhood artifacts like macaroni and candy, which he calls the “gummy lump.” This simple gift symbolizes uncomplicated, sincere affection and holds immense sentimental value for Fulghum. Stored on a shelf in his closet, the gummy lump serves as a daily reminder of love, providing comfort and reassurance that surpasses any commercial item.