Life's Little Instruction Books

The book was created  Jackson Brown originally wrote Life's Little Instruction book as a gift for his son who was leaving home to begin his freshman year in college. Brown says, "I read years ago that it was not the responsibility of parents to pave the road for their children but to provide a road map, and I wanted to provide him with what I had learned about living a happy and rewarding life." Life's Little Instruction Book is a guidebook that gently points the way to happiness and fulfillment. The observations are direct, simple, and as practical as an umbrella.

And… Most of us already know how to live a successful and purposeful life," says Brown. "We know we should be more understanding and thoughtful, more responsible, courageous and appreciative. It's just that we sometimes need reminding." Life's Little Instruction Book is that reminder and the perfect gift for students, relatives, or a friend who needs encouragement at any time of the year.

A pretty popular book-- A New York Times #1 bestseller for 50 weeks, it is translated into 33 languages and continues to inspire readers throughout the world.

Excerpts: 1. Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen every day. 2. Be brave. Even if you're not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference. 3. Think big thoughts, but relish small pleasures.

More excerpts 4. Over tip breakfast waitresses. 5. Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all they have. 6. Never resist a generous impulse.

And more… 7. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know. 8. Never go to bed with dirty dishes in the sink. 9. Leave everything a little better than you found it. 10. Call your mother. 

Remember that nothing important ever happens until someone takes a chance. Leave change where a child can find it. Share your knowledge.  It's a way to achieve immortality.

When your dog dies, frame its collar and put it in a window facing west. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it. Let some things remain mysterious. Never eat a sugared doughnut when wearing a dark suit.

Never pick up anything off the floor of a cab. In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the current situation.  Don't bring up the past.

Remember the graduation speech about sun screen? By Baz Lurhmann – “Everyones Free” (To Wear Sunscreen)

The speech is reminiscent of life advice like you will find in Life’s Little Instruction book. Let’s take a listen…

Baz Lurhmann's "Everyone's free" version with music: Baz Lurhmann's "Everyone's free"

What we’ll do now Now, you will create your own Life’s Little instruction book through the eyes a character that could fit into the types of heroes we’ve studied thus far. Let’s review those types briefly before you begin your brainstorm with 1 or 2 or your classmates…

Heroes Archetypal hero Super man common man lowly man Contemporary hero Anti-hero supreme man Leader Romantic hero

OR YOU COULD CHOOSE ONE OF THESE: More choices: OR YOU COULD CHOOSE ONE OF THESE: Super man common man lowly man supreme man Leader

Your job for today: --real or fictitious-- Now, pick a group of 2 or 3 people 2. Pick a hero category and a her --real or fictitious-- 3. Brainstorm a list of Life’s Little Instructions your hero would write.