Jonathan Livingston Seagull: A Story

During the seventies, Richard Bach was not a sensational writer. Obviously, he went from pillar to post and still couldn’t get his book published. Finally, one day Alnor who worked for Macmillan got the publishers for this novella. It was published in 1970 and Richard got $2000 as an advance for the book. By 1973 more than a million copies of this book were in print. In Publisher’s Weekly United States bestseller for 1972-73, it was on top and it stayed on the top of New York Times Best Seller list for 38 weeks. This small novella of hardly a hundred pages is of four parts today. Initially, it had just three parts. The first part tells the story of Jonathan Livingston Seagull who wants to fly high. Instead of being busy in looking for food all the time he devotes his time to fly. Somehow, seagulls are not meant to fly, they don’t have the wingspan required for excellent flight. So Jonathan Livingston tries and fails every day. Finally, his flock banishes him. Still refusing to give up he learns a few tricks of flight when suddenly two more seagulls join him and start teaching him more about the flight. In the second part, Jonathan Livingston learns to fly and gets acquainted with a new flock of seagulls. His new teachers teach him and he proves to be a gifted learner. In the third part finally, his teacher says this was all he can learn at this level and for further, he will have to move on. Jonathan Livingston is advised to keep working on love. Slowly he understands that forgiveness is the key to next level. Finally, he sheds all enmity towards his old flock which banished him. He takes up students from amongst them and starts grooming new fliers. The book used to end here, but in 2012 Richarch Bach faced a near death experience and he felt the need to add a fourth concluding part to the continual story of Jonathan Livingston Seagull. In the year 2014 his other book Illusions II also came and this book, Jonathan Livingston Seagull found an added chapter. Even after the addition of few new pages, it’s still about a hundred pages. It's motivational and at the same time philosophical. For someone looking for a book which can be read and then re-read, I would suggest Jonathan Livingston Seagull. It’s a must read for everyone looking for meanings in life.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull is a classic novella written by Richard Bach that tells the story of a seagull named Jonathan who is determined to fly higher and faster than any other bird. Through his relentless pursuit of perfection, Jonathan becomes an outcast among his fellow seagulls who do not understand his passion for flying. The story is a powerful metaphor for the pursuit of self-discovery and breaking free from the constraints of society. It encourages readers to follow their dreams and to never give up on their passions, no matter how unconventional they may seem. Bach's writing is both poetic and thought-provoking, making Jonathan Livingston Seagull a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire readers of all ages. It is a must-read for anyone who seeks to live a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Superb story by Richard Bach.... U can really c urself in this story... It tells us about the kind of society v live in... How v may limit ourselves for making others happy... The story also makes us realise that our actual limit depends on the thoughts v have about ourselves....it totally depends on us... Hardwork and perseverance with the love of what u r doing will lead u to perfection...Some of the ideas r as follows: 1) Society is mediocre.It will try to bring u down based on its ideals.But, u must drive urself to ur destiny.Low points may come, but u can overcome them. 2) Sometimes, u may not be appreciated for ur achievements, but instead u may be ridiculed.It may be a shock 2 u. Still persevere and don't feel sorry, just go according to ur passion, as people r not able to see what u r seeing.Ur pain and sacrifice gives u the value.Hope and purpose gives u the drive.Problems are indispensable. 3) U may sometimes become an outcast in the society but, remember that it is just a chapter in ur life. Once u achieve, gradually people will accept u and will follow u. 4) Ur aim must be to be perfect which is a lifelong process. A very few people would be in that league. 5) Ur future depends on what u r doing now. If u don't do/learn anything; there would b no change in the future. 6) V have unlimited potential. Break the chains of ur thoughts( Limits ) and know ur potential. 7) Everything works if u know what u r doing. 8) Slowly ur success would b seen. Once u achieve, try helping those who desire to come out of their mediocrity. Forgive those u once made fun of u. They don't know what u r doing. 9) Never lose hope on urself. Everything which limits u have to b put aside. 10) Sometimes the leaders of the elders would not accept u and ur ideas. They may even desire for some trouble for u. They may create problems for u.But, don't lose heart, let ur actions speak for u. Success is the best revenge and vengeance. 11) There is no difference between anyone.The only thing which sets one apart is the amount of work he has put . 12) The most difficult job is to convince someone.But, still c the good in everyone and help them c it in themselves. 13) V may have a mentor, but v r our own teachers. 14) Don't believe what u always c: U may most probably c limitations and the reasons for not doing something. Look with ur own understanding and find what u already know: u will c the way to fly :) 15) A phase would come when u have proved ur point and u would b the new trendsetter. People will follow u, they will copy u: They wish to b like u. But, because the process of being their perfect self is difficult and requires effort, they will follow the current trend because that is more comfortable and easier. As a result, they will lose focus on the process and instead would focus on u. They may worship u , they may make great fables and stories u etc. U will b considered as some God. U will b made into a ritual & again people would to mediocrity of that time. Now, if someone of that time rejects or doubts or tries to bring his point: he becomes an outcast. U indeed need courage to flow against the mediocrity stream. 16) A very few people who usually become outcasts come out of the trap and bring some change in the world. The rest will follow the comfortable path.

Thank you to the writer of the book , it's one of the most inspirational book , I've ever read , because I feel connected to Jonathan at some points, this year is farmost one of the most important years of my life , and with the blessing of Shri Krishna and with the blessings of all the people who put their faith and trust in me , I would Go Skyhigh and definitely Sail through it , just like Jonathan Livingston Seagull , Grateful to have this book as my first read of the year 2026.🙂

Heard about this book from Sadhguru. Such a simple story with simple elements of life yet so philosophical with deep understanding of human nature. A worthy read.

Rediscovered this book after a god 2 decades. It still fills the heart with that beautiful yearning for freedom!! Guess all is not lost!!

The story was very nice and inspirational, it gives a message to focus on work with full dedication ignoring the ones who try to limit your potential. Page quality was good the only issue was there were many blank pages with pictures of seagulls. I felt they were left intentionally with some deep meaning or had some some significance, which I guess I was not able to comprehend.

Nice book for those who choose different path for their freedom.