TODAY, PEOPLE ALL across the world are celebrating the birthday of Roald Dahl, the author whose books brightened up so many of our childhoods.
Hidden among the strange words and fantastical stories are quite a few important life lessons – here are some we still keep in mind.
1. Reading is actually really cool.
Matilda read a lot and she could move things with her eyes. WITH HER EYES. Plus, as Dahl so beautifully put it:
The books transported her into new worlds and introduced her to amazing people who lived exciting lives… She travelled all over the world while sitting in her little room in an English village.
If you have a book, you will never be bored.
2. Not showering keeps the witches away.
Anything to avoid having a bath, says you.
3. If you’re greedy and spoiled, something absolutely terrible will befall you.
You’ll turn into a giant blueberry or get thrown down a garbage chute or, at the very least, no one will like you.
4. Never touch someone else’s chocolate cake.
It’s not worth it in the end. Ask Bruce Bogtrotter.
5. Magical crocodile tongues are the answer to all of life’s problems.
Of course, nowadays we would advise children not to accept anything off mysterious men, as James Trotter did. Make sure you find your crocodile tongues safely.
6. Free chocolate is enough to get just about anyone out of bed.
Isn’t that right, Grandpa Joe?
7. Grown ups are not always right (even though they think they are).
In many ways, Dahl was preparing us for the real world, where for every Miss Honey there are several Mr Wormwoods, Aunt Sponges and Aunt Spikers.
8. Never judge people before you get to know them.
James landed into a giant peach with a clatter of insects. The BFG looked like a monster to little Sophie. But once they got past appearances, weren’t they all the best of friends?
9. Being kind is the most beautiful thing of all.
It’s the moral of almost all of Dahl’s children’s books, but he says it particularly nicely in The Twits:
If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.
10. And the snozzberries? They taste like snozzberries.
Thanks for the clarification, Mr Wonka (and thanks for the books, Mr Dahl).
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