Turning forty has caused me to deeply reflect upon my life. I have read numerous books in the past few months in regard to meaning and happiness. I desperately desire to live a “good life” – one that is honorable, godly, loving, compassionate, generous, and authentic. And yet, at times, the good life seems so elusive.

In my search for books about the “good life” I came across Life is So Good by George Dawson and Richard Glaubman. I did not seek this book out; it simply satisfied my search parameter of “good life.” I am grateful that it discovered me, for it has given me a deeper love for life, a greater appreciation for all I have, and a stronger hope for the future.

Life is So Good is the true story of George Dawson, a black man who learned to read at age 98 and published his book at age 102. At the time he wrote his book, his life spanned three centuries – from his birth in 1898 to the publication of his book in 2000.

George’s story sheds light on the dangers and difficulties of growing up as a black man in the South. George, the oldest of five children, began to help on his father’s farm at the age of four. At the age of 10, George witnessed the lynching of a seventeen year old friend who was falsely accused of raping a white woman. At the age of 12, the family farm experienced trouble, making it necessary for George to work at a white man’s farm in order to support his family. Prior to dropping George off for his first day of work at the farm, George’s father gives him “the talk that all colored fathers had with their sons” (49): “Son, don’t forget where you come from. You will grow up to be as good as any man. But there’s white and there’s colored folks. They weren’t meant to mix together and when they do there will be trouble. That’s just the way it is and it’s never going to change. You are colored and you always need to take heed of that. It’s when you don’t take heed that you be asking for trouble. Sometimes, problems come anyway, so don’t be asking for more than your share” (49). 

George recounts his memories of leaving home and traveling the country by train. At one point he travels to Canada just to see snow. He also describes a visit to Mexico and his amazement that he was accepted by all people in spite of the color of his skin.

Among his many jobs, he worked in Mississippi and for the railroad until settling down in a dairy factory. He eventually married and fathered seven children. He outlived four wives and was single at the time Life is Good was published.

George’s life was full of hardship, danger, and injustice. Having lived into the 21st century, one might expect that George would be full of anger and bitterness over how he was treated throughout his life. This is exactly what co-author Richard Glaubman expected to unearth when he approached George with the idea of writing a book. Late in the book, Richard admits how he had to change the story he expected to write, “I had come to record a life of hardship and was not prepared to hear of gratitude. I lost my story and had to start over” (252).

As one who spends most of his life indulging in high concepts, profound truths, and complex insights, I was overwhelmed by the sheer simplicity of George’s wisdom. I felt that I stood in the presence of greatness when I read of his courage and perseverance. Even though George’s life is something I cannot fully understood, and certainly would never choose, it is obvious that he lived the good life – not so much because he experienced good things, but because he was a good man in a not-so-good world.

Co-author Richard Glaubman gets to the heart of George’s greatness when he asks him the following question concerning George’s cup of hot chocolate. “Do you see that cup as half full of half empty?” “I see it as being enough. So it’s just fine” (238).

After George received national attention in light of his desire to learn to read at age 98, he was offered numerous opportunities to speak to children. After one such time, his son, Junior argues, “They [the children] don’t have any idea how rough it was.” George responds, “Or how good it was either! People forget that a picture ain’t made from just one color. Life ain’t all good or all bad. It’s full of everything.” (233)

In spite of limitations, injustice, inequality, and poverty, George Dawson triumphed in life. He lived a good life. Even though I can’t follow in his footsteps, I hope to follow his example, attitude, and perseverance. Like all good saints, George offers a model to follow and a pattern to imitate.

[Note: The book’s financial success allowed George to raze his dilapidated house and build a new one. George Dawson died on July 5, 2001 in Dallas, Texas at the age of 103.]

© Richard J. Vincent, 2005