What I Know: uncommon wisdom and universal truths from 10-year-olds and 100-year-olds

December 23, 2009 by Elizabeth Donovan, M. A.
Filed under Great Books for Girls

What I Know Fishman

If you’ve ever doubted that wisdom comes from the heart, then What I Know: uncommon wisdom and universal truths from 10-year-olds and 100-year-olds by Roger Emerson Fishman, will convince you otherwise. Fishman captures perfectly the moments of 10-year-olds and contrasts it with the wisdom and thoughtfulness of 100-year-olds. Both age groups have a lot to offer on topics such as self-esteem, friendship, parenting, integrity, and longevity among others.

What I Know is more than a collection of whit and whimsical musings, it’s a delightful look at life from the perspective of young and old. As we all take our journey through life, many aspects of ourselves will change, but interestingly the fundamentals we learned as a 10 year old remain and once remembered, can serve as a stepping stone throughout they years to come. For example, What I Know provides readers keen insight into the mind of a 10-year-old that is not only thoughtful, but useful:

“If you are mean to your kids when you are young, then they will want to leave the house as soon as they get to high school. Then that’s going to be lonely!” – Aislinn F., Lexington, KY

“The secret to life is not to try too hard. It seems like usually when I’m wanting or looking for something, the best way is to not really look too hard, and then I find it.” – Joseph M., Ann Arbor, MI

What I Know also does a wonderful job of chronicling the wisdom of 100-year-olds – women and men who we can all aspire to be. There is a section of the book that is reserved for short stories from various 100-year-olds who share the secret to life as they know it. Green-Tea Trader, Tan Shui Lee, answers the question “What’s the secret to a healthy, active, and long life?” And activist Ruth Proskauer Smith gives readers perspective into ’standing up for themselves’ – lesson that everyone can benefit from.

Fishman does a thorough job of choosing children and elders from all walks of life. The reader finds each quote and short story an entry way through the passage of time. Most of us can fondly remember being a 10-year-old, but perhaps we’ve forgotten the subtle genius and spontaneity youth brings with it. And though many of us will never live to be 100, we can benefit from the wisdom, character, and good fortune of our elders tempered with a bit of humor and hard work.

What I Know is a true gift every reader will love. There is something that each generation can learn from the next – no doubt, the premise of this book. Each page is beautifully edited and illustrated to make this the perfect keepsake.

What I Know: uncommon wisdom and universal truths from 10-year-olds and 100-year-olds can be purchased at Amazon.com or check out www.whatiknowthebook.com
for additional information.