Jonathan Livingstone Seagull by Richard Bach

This is a short novel about the pursuit of perfection as a means of self-realisation and freedom.

Jonathan Livingstone Seagull is not like the other seagulls of the flock, who use flight only as a means of finding food. As a matter of fact, a deeper purpose drives him – to fly as perfectly as possible, just for the pleasure and the fulfillment it brings. But, misunderstood by the rest of the flock, condemned for being different, he is banned.

His journey leads him to other places where he meets seaguls who share his passion for flight. So, they teach him new techniques. These push him to new levels of mastery through persistance, self-discovery and self-transcendence.

A longing starts filling him –  to return to his former flock. He feels called to teach others who might yearn for something more that survival. So, he becomes a teacher himself, sharing all his knowledge with young seaguls who feel drawn to something greater. Through patience, compassion and example he shows them that they can find freedom within themselves, instead of waiting for others to grant it. Through this journey he finally realises that he is a being of infinite potential.

The novel speaks to readers of all ages and cultures who question themselves about the meaning of life.