Who Was Ernest Hemingway? by Jim Gigliotti

 Who Was Ernest Hemingway? – one of the most famous American writers.

Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) was born in Oak Park, outside Chicago. From childhood, he was a curious child, exploring nature and being afraid of nothing. He also liked reading, especially adventure stories. This influenced his imagination.

His summers were spent hunting, fishing or reading.

In High School, he wrote short stories for school’s magazine.

His father, who was a doctor, and wanted Ernest to go to college, but sitting in a classroom for another four years wasn’t for Ernest.

His uncle helped him get a job as a reporter in the fall of 1917. He began reporting on news from the courthouse, but this wasn’t exiting to him. So he convinced his boss to assign him to crime reporting.

He liked working for newspaper, where he also learned a specific style of writing with short sentences, energetic words, positive focus, not using unnecessary words and adjectives.

During WWI, in 1918, he joined the Red Cross and drove ambulance in Italy. While delivering supplies to Italian soldiers, a bomb exploded and injured his leg. He was sent back to the US in January 1919.

Life in Oak Park didn’t offer adventure he was craving. In early 1920, he left for Toronto, Canada, where he wrote articles for the Toronto newspaper. Same year, in October, he was back in the US. He moved to Chicago and wrote articles about farming for a magazine.

Also, the same year, he met Hadley Richardson and they married nine months later.

His friend, who was a popular book author, recommended for Ernest to move to Paris if he wanted to become a serious writer. And that’s what Ernest did with his wife. In Paris, he became good friends with F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Meanwhile, he continued writing many articles for the Canadian newspaper. However, he wanted to work more on short stories. And he did, but he was also spending less and less time with his wife and son. They divorced in 1927.

Meanwhile, he met Pauline Pfeiffer and got married the same year. The same year, he also published a few short stories and one novel – The Sun Also Rises.

Following year 1928, they moved to Key West, Florida, where he became a fisherman. He also practiced boxing. He had a strict schedule. He wrote from morning hours until noon.

He had two sons with Pauline. Ernest had a complicated relationship with his father and the same was with his sons.  Ernest spent most of his time traveling and writing. He wasn’t around his sons often.

His second novel, A Farewell to Arms sold very well. After finishing a book, he’d take time to unwind and travel with Pauline or alone.

One of his trips was to Africa. As usual, his experiences provided plenty of inspiration for his writing.

In 1937, he agreed to report on the Spanish Civil War for the newspaper. During this time, he met Martha Gellhorn, a newspaper reporter.

In 1940, he divorced Pauline and married Martha. They lived near Havana, Cuba, where he wrote For Whom the Bell Tolls.

During WWII, things shifted again. Martha was a better war reporter than Ernest, and he was jealous of it. They got divorced in 1945.

He married Mary Welsh in 1946, who was also a reporter.

Between 1940 and 1950, Ernest didn’t write much.

When Across the River and Into the Trees were published in 1950, it didn’t receive good reviews.

His redemption was The Old Man and the Sea published in 1952 which won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1953.

Following year, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. After this short novel, he didn’t write much.

After many injuries, his process of writing became slow. He also spiraled into drinking. He committed suicide in 1961.

This biography illustrates a complex character; a man who had a complicated relationship with his father, wives and children. However, he was good at following his natural instincts when it came to his passion for writing, which he connected with his adventures spirit. He was good at making himself a conduit of flowing energy for his passion. When he got bored, he didn’t get stuck. Instead, he looked for something new to reinvent himself and to improve his craft.

Source: Penguin Workshop, 2022

 

 

 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: "There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self." – Ernest Hemingway

 

 

 

Traits:

·         From childhood, he was a curious child, exploring nature and being afraid of nothing.

·         He liked reading, especially adventure stories. This influenced his imagination.

·         His summers were spent hunting, fishing or reading.

·         He started writing short stories in school.

·         His father wanted him to go to college, but he didn’t want to sit still. He wanted to do his own exploration.

·         His high energy and adventures spirit were good indicators for him what steps to take in life and he was acting on it consistently: moving to different places in search of the right place and position for him, searching for subjects that made him passionate about in writing.

·         When he moved to Florida, he became a fisherman and also practiced boxing – always exploring new ventures.

·         He was disciplined. He had a strict schedule. He wrote from morning hours until noon. – (That could be also an indication why he didn’t like to sit at school and listen to teachers. He knew how to explore the world on his own and to further turn it into serving higher purpose, not just himself).

·         Ernest had a complicated relationship with his father and the same was with his sons. – (He repeated the pattern, not breaking the cycle).

·         He liked exploring new places, and those experiences provided plenty of inspiration for his writing.

·         His third wife was a better war correspondent than he was, and he was jealous of it. – (He took it too personally. He understood the concept that no one was better than another human being yet he struggled to process it within his own life. - Unfortunately, this societal trait of competition is accepted as good, but the only thing it teaches is that we’re better than others - that is not a trait to be followed, even if it’s accepted by majority).   

·         After his biggest success, he spiraled down with drinking. - (When we receive what we wish for but if we’re not ready for it, then something follows that disperses it. If your vessel is not ready to receive something, then it can’t hold it. Imagine an overloaded ship with cargo, it sinks).

  

 

 

"Every man's life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another." – Ernest Hemingway

“Never think that war, no matter how necessary, nor how justified, is not a crime.” – Ernest Hemingway

“I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.” – Ernest Hemingway

“The shortest answer is doing the thing.” – Ernest Hemingway

 

 

FURTHER INSPIRATION AND RECOMMENDATION: 

 Reflecting on above words of Hemingway, brings to mind Conversations with the Z’s: The Energetics of the New Human Soul by Lee Harris. We’ve been programed to think certain way which limits our abilities. It was said before yet ignored how powerful our mind is and how little we use it to our advantage. There is more and more people experiencing raised consciousness or what some call remembering. We’re starting to wake up to what we’re capable of and who we are. We’re not better than any other human being. War is a means of dividing and controlling people. We all have powers to end wars. Learn how to listen, observe, and seek your own truth. Don’t rely on standards or opinions. Question everything and everyone. There is so much more to life than a mediocre life.

 

“Lee Harris has been receiving communication from his guides, the Z’s, since 1999. He has made this wisdom available in a variety of ways, helping hundreds of thousands around the world, and now he offers these powerful messages in a one-of-a-kind and distinctly modern format. His channeling is presented in conversation with psychotherapist Dianna Edwards, who describes her work as “listening to hear.” Her questioning allows for a crystal-clear exploration of Lee’s method and a beautifully accessible way of encountering and absorbing the wisdom transmitted from the Z’s. You’ll learn to connect to your guides, interpret and learn from dreams, employ the magnetics of manifestation, and navigate the current environmental and cultural disarray. The material channeled from the Z’s is practical and meaningful — even transformational — for seekers with open hearts and minds.”

George Washington: A Revolutionary Life by Tim Grove

 George Washington - first president of the newly formed nation

There is not much known about George’s childhood, but as a young boy he had two good mentors, Colonel William Fairfax and Thomas Fairfax. Both men took interest in George’s career. Surveying lands was a position available to George (to a man of his status). At seventeen, he began work as a professional surveyor.

In September 1751, George took a trip to Barbados. On the way there to occupy his time, he was learning marine navigation. In Barbados, he observed great wealth and met interesting people who were eager to discuss the affairs of the British Empire.

This trip lasted only three months but it proved to be a turning point in his life. He developed interest in military. He expressed his interest in the position of adjutant for Virginia’s southern district and was accepted. As a self-taught man, he learned training techniques from a book.

In October 1753, George accepted an assignment to lead a mission as Britain’s emissary to the French, a 900-mile journey.

During his two and a half month trip, he kept a journal. Upon his return, the journal and a map of the region drawn by George was sent to printers for publication. Newspapers and British publishers printed it and unexpectedly George became known in prominent circles.

George was continuously making a name for himself as a good leader and diplomat.

Washington became frustrated when King George repeatedly denied the regiment royal commissions and life pensions despite their loyal service. Because of that George resigned and ended his service to the British Crown.

His main focus, after leaving the military post, was on expending farming at Mount Vernon, with a goal of establishing a sustainable and profitable business. Again, he had to learn how to run a large agricultural operation. He read many books on the subject and created a circle of experienced farmers and experts who could give him guidance.

Due to British laws restricting tobacco sales, but not restricting wheat sales, he switched to experimenting with wheat production, then milling it into flour. He turned out to be a savvy businessman.

In his social circles, the expected next step was for him to serve the community which with time extended further outward.

Now, he was learning how to navigate the political world. By 1769, he had emerged as a leader in resistance against British policies. Again, he was gaining skills on the job and from those with more experience and cultivated a network of influential people.

After repeated increases in taxes by the British and the incident with the Boston tea party, Washington began study the tactics of the esteemed Prussian military. He had to figure out how to unify an army collected from thirteen colonies.

He proved to be a good military leader. When the mission was accomplished, he submitted his resignation to Congress as he believed that the people had the right to choose the right leader for the united colonies.

Many people saw him as the best candidate for the first president. Once president, many people hoped he would remain president indefinitely, but he wanted to set a good example of not serving for life. He departed his position after his mission was accomplished of firmly establishing Constitution and setting solid foundation for a freshly formed country.

This biography exemplifies a man who never stopped elevating himself in life on a personal level and improving lives of others, yet one fact remains he took part in building democracy intended for all yet he kept enslaved people.

Source: ABRAMS Kids, May 2026

 

 

 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: Throughout his life, George Washington maintained a curiosity about the world and a thirst for knowledge.

 

 

 

Traits:

·         Most of the time, he was surrounded by some kind of mentors.

·         He was a self-taught man. Whenever, he needed to learn something new, he’d read books, and create a circle of experts who could give him guidance.

·         His trip to Barbados made him interest in military. Upon his arrival, he applied for a position in the military.

·         When an opportunity opened for a mission that was strenuous, it didn’t discourage him, he accepted the challenge.

·         His first professional position was in surveying land. This experience served him well in the military. While on a special mission, he surveyed the land for the military. His maps got published upon his return, unexpectedly he became known in prominent circles.

·         He never stopped elevating himself. He continuously made a name for himself as a good leader and diplomat.

·         He turned out to be a savvy businessman and proved to be a good military leader.

·         He always wanted to set a good example in every venture he undertook. However, one aspect will remain questionable - he took part in building democracy intended for all yet he kept enslaved people.

·         Once solid ground was created for a new nation, he proved with his own act what he created on paper. President had to be chosen democratically and serve a specific term only.

"It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one" – George Washington

FURTHER INSPIRATION AND RECOMMENDATION:

       

The Biology of Belief: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter and Miracles by Bruce Lipton - “Author Lipton is a former medical school professor and research scientist. His experiments, and those of other leading-edge scientists, have examined in great detail the processes by which cells receive information. The implications of this research radically change our understanding of life. It shows that genes and DNA do not control our biology; that instead DNA is controlled by signals from outside the cell, including the energetic messages emanating from our positive and negative thoughts. Dr. Lipton's profoundly hopeful synthesis of the latest and best research in cell biology and quantum physics is being hailed as a breakthrough, showing that our bodies can be changed as we retrain our thinking.”

Who Was A.A. Milne? by Sarah Fabiny

 Who Was A.A. Milne? - a playwright, poet, and an author – best known for his books about the teddy-bear Winnie-the-Pooh.

Alan Alexander Milne (1882-1956) was born in London, England. Both his parents were teachers and education was important to them, but the father also encouraged his sons to spend free time outdoors in nature. And that’s what Alan and his two brothers did.

Their school published a magazine, and Alan began writing articles for it when he was just nine years old. He wrote about his adventures in nature.

His education continued at Westminster School upon earning a math scholarship. But he quickly realized that writing was at his heart. When he found a copy of the Granta magazine published by students at Cambridge University, his new goal was to become an editor of Granta. But he needed to get a scholarship to Cambridge as his parents couldn’t afford the school.

While at Cambridge, he continued to submit poems and stories to the magazine. They became popular with readers.

In 1902, he received an offer to take over as an editor of the Granta. He leaped at the chance. He set a new goal of making the Granta even more known and respected. He was on his way as more and more people began to read the Granta.

The founder of the Granta noticed Alan’s work and thought he was a talented writer. Alan wasn’t sure if he could make a living as a writer but he decided to give it a chance. With his father help, he received some money and knew this was his only chance to make it.

After graduating from Cambridge, he moved to London. Some of his work got published, but most got rejected. He was unsure and full of doubt if he’d make it as a writer, but he wasn’t ready to give up.

In May 1904, his poem got accepted at Punch magazine that featured famous writers. But this wasn’t enough to make a living and he was running out of money. He changed his focus to writing a novel.

In 1905, he published Lovers in London. He wanted to quit writing for Punch magazine but instead was offered a position of assistant editor. So he accepted it, and soon he was meeting many famous people. At one party, he met the love of his life, and they got married.

He became a successful writer and now was looking for a new challenge. He thought of maybe writing a play but WWI came. He volunteered as a soldier. He still managed to write plays which were produced in London and US. He was becoming well-known.

When his son was born, he set a new goal of becoming a good father. He wasn’t interested in writing children’s stories but as he observed his son, a new idea came to him. He wrote poems for children. They got published at the end of 1924, and became a best seller in England and the US.

Despite this success, he didn’t want to write children’s stories. However, he agreed to write just one for the Christmas edition of the newspaper. Thus, he wrote about Christopher Robin and his teddy bear, which he named Winnie-the-Pooh. It was a huge hit.

This propelled him further to write a book of stories for children based on his son’s other stuffed animals. The book, Winnie-the-Pooh, was a massive success. And readers wanted more of it. So he wrote The House at Pooh Corner with addition of a new character – tiger. It was an instant hit.

Meanwhile, his oldest brother died of tuberculosis. After that, Alan wanted to go back to ‘serious’ writing. He focused on plays and novels. But people were not interested in his ‘serious’ writing. They wanted to talk about Winnie-the-Pooh which he didn’t like. His son didn’t like all the attention either. This put a rift between father and son.

During WWII, Alan’s children’s books brought comfort to many people but his grown-up son didn’t see it. Instead, he put a distance between him and his father.

Alan was always set on being a ‘serious’ writer. He didn’t see writing for children as something respectable, but at the end what he created for children brought him the biggest fame.

This biography exemplifies a man who discovered his passion for writing early in his childhood, and continued to refine his talent throughout his life. It was also shaped by what readers wanted to read. The sad part of the story was that he wanted to be a good father, and by observing his son, he came up with the idea of creating the famous story about a teddy-bear. His son loved the attention at first, but later disliked it, and turned the whole blame at the father. It’s a lesson to be learned between the father and the son, which is like a ripple effect, extending to all people that surrounded them or those for example reading this story - what can you learn from it?

Source: Penguin Workshop, 2021

 

 

 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: “You will be better advised to watch what we do instead of what we say.” – A.A. Milne

 

 

 

Traits:

·         His parents were educators and from young age it was instilled in him that education was important, but the father also made sure his children had a good connection to nature, playing outdoors as well.

·         He began writing magazine articles since he was nine and continued throughout his school years.

·         He wasn’t sure if he could make a living as a writer after college but he decided to give it a chance. Some of his work got published, but most got rejected.

·         When things were not looking bright for him and he was running out of money and time, and was not yet ready to quit, he decided to change his focus. He went from writing poetry and short stories to writing a novel. – He was still doing what he loved but the change in focus shifted things for him.

·         When he wanted to quit a position at magazine, he was offered a position as assistant editor. – That as well shifted things for him. He started meeting influential people.

·         When he became a successful writer, he looked for a new challenge such as writing a play – this is typical for successful people, looking for new challenges.

·         When his son was born, he set a new goal of becoming a good father.

·         He wasn’t interested in writing children’s stories but as he observed his son, a new idea came to him. He wrote poems for children which became bestseller. – observation is the best indicator and leader for our intuition.

·         He never wanted to write stories for children but life continued to propel him in that direction.

·         When he tried to return to ‘serious’ writing, people didn’t want that, especially during war time. Whenever he tried to go against the current, it wasn’t working for him. – Sometimes what we want doesn’t resonate with others, which doesn’t mean we have to change for others. We just need to find a different approach.

 

 

 

“Don’t underestimate the value of doing nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.” – A.A. Milne

 

 

FURTHER INSPIRATION AND RECOMMENDATION:  

is expansion on A.A. Milne’s above quote “Don’t underestimate the value of doing nothing, of just going along…” It highlights the importance of mindfulness and relaxation, slowing down and observing. We’ve been programed to act certain ways which don’t necessarily serve our highest best.

Lee Harris is a globally acclaimed Energy Intuitive, Channeler and Musician who offers grounded, practical teachings focused on helping conscious, intuitive, and sensitive people heal, thrive, and live a better life.

 The Future Human: New Ways of Living and Being on Earth by Lee Harris: 

“Humanity is facing an unprecedented phase of evolution, planetary revolution, and the acceleration of time. More and more people are seeking guidance as they wake up to a connection with something far bigger than what they were taught about human life. Channeled by Lee Harris and prompted by Regina Meredith’s incisive questions, Lee’s guides, the Z’s, expose the lies promulgated throughout history and explain the past and the future,

• why consciousness is driving you faster than your mind
• the positive and negative effects of artificial intelligence and other technology on intellect and the brain
• the changing landscape of relationships, and self-awareness
• why the next decade will be a genuinely revelatory time on earth
• why the most significant influencer in the development of humanity’s new potential is you

The Z’s remind us that everyone on Earth is being affected by the waves of higher consciousness now flooding the planet.”

Who Was Johnny Appleseed? by Joan Holub

 Who Was Johnny Appleseed? – a nature lover who planted thousands of apple trees for pioneer families to enjoy and earned his nickname of Johnny Appleseed. His real name was John Chapman.

John Chapman (1774-1845) was born in Leominster, Massachusetts. He had lots of siblings. They all lived in a small farmhouse. Thus, in order to get some peaceful time, he spent much of his time outside. His fascination with apples began in his teenage years.

As settlers were moving westward, Johnny decided to do the same at the age of twenty-three. As he passed cider mills in Pennsylvania, he collected apple seeds, and began his journey of planting orchards.

In 1800, at twenty-six, he moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio as Pennsylvania was getting too crowded for him. In Ohio, he continued planting orchards. What made him stand out was his knack for figuring out where people moved next. He got there first and planted apple trees for them to enjoy.

He was also a good storyteller and entertained settlers with stories of wilderness. He interacted with Native Americans as well. Through his travels, he met many people.

He always carried a book with him written by Emanuel Swedenborg, who believed in importance of thinking for yourself and being useful in life, and not being afraid of being different.

This biography exemplifies a man who did what he loved all his life, always peaceful, never letting life to rush him. He was deeply connected with nature where he took long hikes which made space in his mind to show the way for his happiness in life. When he felt the rush invading his life, he moved away from it. Always, seeking freedom and calmness over materialistic things. He never settled down in a home or owned many things. It wasn’t necessary for his happiness. The traits that embody him are generous, kind, helpful to others, living simply and staying true to oneself.

Published by Penguin Workshop in 2005

 

 

 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: He did what he loved all his life, remaining peaceful, feeling whole by himself - without any need to rush to achieve what others sought. (Not staying true to yourself, will put a veil on you which with time will make you unhappy).

 

 

Traits:

·         He lived with many siblings in a small house, thus, in order to find his own space and comfort he spent a lot of time outside.

·         The outside showed him the way to his happiness.

·         He followed the settlers to find his purpose.

·         As he passed cider mills, he collected apple seeds and began his journey of planting trees.

·         He didn’t need much to be happy in life. Thus, he hardly had anything.

·         What made him happy was to be in nature, to be surrounded by peacefulness which led him to serve other people by planting orchards for them.

 

 

“Do not worry at being worried; but accept worry peacefully. Difficult but not impossible.” – Johnny Appleseed

 

 

 

FURTHER INSPIRATION AND RECOMMENDATION:

 Dr. Wayne Dyer explores the subject of Prayer in his book “Wisdom of the Ages.”

The prayer can come in many different forms, one of them is to be connected to nature and that’s what Johnny Appleseed did. In being connected with the One, he found his happiness and meaning in life.

The prayer should be an expression of “a wish to be the vehicle for God’s desires rather than a request for favors from an entity outside ourselves. (…) Instead of asking to be sheltered from danger, we ask for the strength to be fearless.”

Who is Temple Grandin? by Patricia Brennan Demuth

  Who Is Temple Grandin? – a scientist who has changed America’s livestock industry. 

Mary Temple Grandin was born in 1947 in Boston. She was autistic and her behavior wasn’t understood in 1940s. But her mother couldn’t imagine putting her in an institution, instead Temple was given speech therapy and it helped her thrive. However, the school didn’t interest her the way the horses did. She became a great rider. 

While spending her summer vacation in Arizona at her aunt’s ranch, she grew fond of cattle and became fascinated by wooden chute used to calm down the cows. Temple tried it herself and realized that it had a calming effect on her and helped her with her outbursts. 

Back at school’s dorm, she built a Squeeze Machine. A science teacher encouraged her to use science to test her machine. She developed passion for science and did very well in college. Her interest was animal science which further led her to a field surrounded by men. But she gained their respect when they saw how she handles and understands cattle. 

Her study became the basis of a new animal welfare standard for the industry. She drew up guide rules and trained inspectors on what problems to look for. 

This biography exemplifies a person who thrived despite her disadvantaged state but the key was she had a guardian who believed in her and helped her thrive. It demonstrates how important it is to have mentors in our lives to help us thrive. 

Source: Penguin Workshop, 2020

 

 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: Her advice was sought after which is a sign of true leadership.

 

Traits:

 

·         Her behavior wasn’t understood but she had her mother who wanted her to thrive.

·         She had a natural way with animals and observed them.

·         By observing animals, it helped her understand their behavior.

·         With her knowledge gained by observation, she gained respect of men in a field where there were no women.

·         As she built equipment to help her understand animal’s behavior, she was encouraged to pursue science and became passionate about it.

 

 

“I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a good teacher.” – Temple Grandin 

“The most important thing people did for me was to expose me to new things.” – Temple Grandin

“If I did not have my work, I would not have my life.” – Temple Grandin 

 

 

FURTHER INSPIRATION AND RECOMMENDATION:

 “True leaders are hardly known to their followers.” – Lao-Tzu, Chinese philosopher

Temple Grandin became an expert in her area and her advice was sought after, and that is a true leadership.

Dr. Wayne Dyer explores the subject further in his book “Wisdom of the Ages” in chapter three – Leadership.

“Who were the leaders of the Renaissance? Were the leaders the mayors, governors, and presidents of the European capitals? No indeed. The leaders were the artists, writers, musicians who listened to their hearts and souls and expressed what they heard… (…) True leaders are not known by titles. It is ego that loves titles! (…) Fear-based leaders are poorly qualified to genuinely lead. (…) The true leader acts in such a way as to be hardly known in the entire process. This leader offers trust, encouragement, and congratulations as others find their own way.”