| Abraham Maslow’s Main Characteristics of Self-Actualization |
Major Events in the life of Theodor Geisel |
Dr. Seuss’s Best SellingBooks |
Theodor Geisel’s life & Dr. Seuss’s Main Themes in his Books |
| A. Honesty:A-1 HumorA-2 Social InterestA-3 Interpersonal Relations |
World War I - as a child, Theodor felt rejection and was bullied; the truth was brutal, yet his family was honest with the reality and hardworking with a German background. Humor was a way to deal with the truth and human relations. |
How the Grinch Stole Christmas – the Grinch realized that Christmas was more than presents and decorations; Christmas lay in the hearts of mankind. Theodor in writing the Grinch looked in the mirror and saw the Grinch; he was honest with himself. The Grinch when he confronted his thoughts, the reality made his heart grow. |
Honest with himself, his talents, his likes, dislikes; in social issues he was brutally honest and confronted mankind by way of cartoons and books; he kept real relationships close and select. |
| B. Awareness:B-1Efficient Perception ofRealityB-2 Freshness of AppreciationB-3 Peak ExperiencesB-4 Ethical Awareness |
The Great Depression – Theodor became aware of the need and reality to illustrate and write at the same time for financial success. |
The Lorax – the Lorax was aware of the greed in man’s heart and what this greed had the power to do – destroy the environment.Theodor was aware of the danger of pollution and greed, creating an ethical awareness with this book. |
Aware entire life of surroundings, events, issues, people, appreciated details, and ethically he was aware right until the end; his books speak of social issues and awareness of the heart and mind. |
| C. Freedom:C-1 DetachmentC-2 CreativenessC-3 Spontaneity |
Prohibition – Theodor created his pseudo name – Dr. Seuss, expressing himself at Dartmouth with the Jack-O Lantern; with his expression he could be creative, spontaneous and free with his thoughts. |
The Cat in the Hat – Sally and her brother through the Cat in the Hat experienced freedom to think different, be creative and act spontaneous as children are born to be. Theodor through Dr. Seuss found freedom. |
Lived a life of doing his ownthing, constantly creating and responding to the events around him and his voice within; his books hold these themes of individuality, imagination, and fun. |
| D. Trust:D-1 Life MissionD-2 AutonomyD-3 Acceptance |
World War II – Theodor found his life mission inillustrating and writing books for children – there was a great need: the GI babies; Theodor spoke out against social injustices. |
Green Eggs & Ham – Sam is encouraging an older manto try green eggs and ham. Trusting one’s self to try new experiences, be true to oneself, to find one’s purpose and trust it. Theodor’s friends encouraged him to be true to himself; Theodor learned to trust his inner voice. |
Confidence developed in him as a child in difficult times, guided him to his purpose, following his own rhythm, and embracing himself; his books have purpose, uniqueness, and within the audience finds a place to be who they are, trusting themselves and finding their own unique voice. |
