What I Know: Uncommon Wisdom and Universal Truths from 10-Year-Olds and 100-Year-Olds

By Roger Fishman

For fans of real-world advice books such as the Chicken Soup for the Soul series comes an inspiring, humorous, and entertaining look at life from centenarians and 10 year olds. 50 bw photos.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0307454223
• ISBN13: 9780307454225
• Release Date: October 2009
• Publisher: Potter Style
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.8" x 0.5" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Live. Laugh. Learn.

One of my favorite things to do is learn about other people. Every time I see my grandma, I ask her as many questions about her life as I can possibly think up. The experiences of older generations have always been of great interest to me. It was for this reason that I enthusiastically accepted the opportunity to review Roger Emerson Fishman's What I Know: uncommon wisdom and universal truths from 10-year-olds and 100-year-olds. The inspiration for this book came from Fishman's grandfather, who owned a five-and-dime in New York for over forty years. His grandfather shared all of the bits of wisdom he gained from his customers over the years with his family, including Fishman. Like his grandfather, Fishman possesses a knack for making friends and seeking the wisdom of others. Following the birth of his son, Fishman decided to compile a collection of these ideas so that his son would one day be able to appreciate the insights of his peers and elders. Throughout the book, the pages are filled with small words of wisdom and encouragement from both 100-year olds and 10-year olds. The book is divided into themes (Integrity, Friendship, etc.), and each section is kicked off by a story from a centenarian. The centenarians that Fishman found for this book cover the map in terms of life experiences. You hear from Dorothy Young, who assisted Harry Houdini, Murray Odel, a family man, and many others. Their stories are all inspiring and interesting to read about. At the end of the book, the author mentions that he met a variety of individuals on his journey while writing this book. One thing he mentioned was that "Ten year olds in the twenty first century have wisdom beyond their years." I couldn't agree more! The thing that immediately caught my attention with this book was how insightful ten year olds are! I found myself on multiple occasions nodding in agreement with statements made by the kids. I loved reading everyone's contributions to the book. Many of these tidbits were thoughts that I have had at one time or another, and it's always fun to see that others think the same way. I also read many new and interesting ideas, some of which made me laugh and others that made me think. This book was a quick and easy read, but I recommend it to anyone! The stories from the centenarians are both unique and inspiring, and the reasoning of the ten year olds will sometimes bring a smile to your face. So, if you're looking for a light read, check this one out!

wonderful book

This wonderful book provides an effortless foray into moments of clarification. It delicately balances insights from both the innocent and the knowing, and in doing so leaves the reader with a glorious sense of epiphany. A great gift book for those who are dear to you.

Wisdom from elders; truth from children

What I Know is fabulous. It taught me there always is more to learn, and reminded me of the good things I may have forgotten. This is one book you'll want to revisit frequently.

back to your future

This book will remind you of being ten years old again and just might help you make it to the One Hundred year mark. Reading " what I know" will help you tap into some of the things we all knew as children, but as adults,have sadly forgotten.... and the comments from the Centenarians have the ring of truth that only comes with wisdom, experience and age. All that being said, I hope the stunning photography is not overlooked. As a professional artist with 30 years of experience and dozens of galleries around the country, I know great photography when I see it. These shots have everything that is needed: Emotion, contrast and composition. The joy of the children springs from the page and the wisdom of the elders beckons you deeper into every shot. Bravo ! Mr. Fishman

Reflection of the best around us

Very fun and inspirational book. So much enjoyable advice from places you least expect it. The book really captures the human element and disarms you with advice from a 5th grader that is hard to argue with. Many themes reinforce what you may know to be true, but have de-emphasized over time. Easy read, but it will make you think.