“Never do anything by halves if you want to get away with it. Be outrageous. Go the whole hog. Make sure everything you do is so completely crazy it’s unbelievable…”
~Matilda, “Matilda”
In case the quote didn’t give it away, today is Roald Dahl Day!
Today marks what would have been the beloved author’s 100th birthday, so the celebration is extra special.
For more than 50 years Roald Dahl’s books has been an essential part of childhood. From “James and the Giant Peach” to “Matilda” his characters are beloved. More than sweet bedtime stories, his children’s books have a lot to teach their readers.
They taught us new words like scrumdiddlyumptious. They taught us how to think for ourselves. They taught us that the world isn’t perfect. Most importantly they taught us about the power of knowledge and goodness.
Because while Dahl’s world is not a perfect world, it is filled with hope. Hope in that kindness will overcome fear, hope that knowledge will win over ignorance, and hope in brighter and better future…which is something we could all use a little more of.
“I began to realize how important it was to be an enthusiast in life. He taught me that if you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at it at full speed ahead. Embrace it with both arms, hug it, love it and above all become passionate about it. Lukewarm is no good. Hot is no good either. White hot and passionate is the only thing to be.”
~”My Uncle Oswald”
More on the Story: The New Yorker
…just for fun:
