On this day in 1904 Dr. Theodor Seuss Geisel (better known as Dr. Seuss) was born.
Many - perhaps most - of us first learned to read under the tuteledge of Dr. Seuss' work. And it is for this he is most chiefly known. A tireless advocate for teaching children to read and think clearly, we owe the man and his "how to read" books a debt of gratitude.
Equally important however is the moral teaching of Dr. Seuss' books. In Seuss' world we learn the injustice and absurdity of racism (in the Sneeches), the misery of lonliness and greed (in the Grinch for instance), and the terrible tragedy of destroying the environment (in the Lorax).
In particular Dr. Seuss used his stories to condemn materialism, conformism, and fascism, celebrating the uniqueness of the individual and the value of communitty.
So let us remember Dr. Seuss today. Let us do what we can to teach reading and to impart a sense of conscience and moral awareness.
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
