On May 17, 1900, Chicago publisher George M. Hill Company published L. Frank Baum’s children’s book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” I’m certain that neither Baum nor his publisher had even an inkling that their book would still be in print 119 years later – available in over fifty languages around the world, with sales in the tens of millions! And who could have predicted that the 1939 MGM film adaptation would become the most-watched movie in history – with over one billion viewers, almost one-sixth of the world’s population!

Baum’s Oz tale is a timeless classic, with all the elements of ancient myth – powerful, compelling, dramatic. It is the Hero’s Journey: with a lead character who leaves home in search of happiness in a better world; who travels hither and yon on a personal quest; who ultimately comes full circle, arriving back home to discover that the treasure they sought was right there all along.

The Oz story has not just one hero, but four – an ensemble cast questing together – each seeking something personal, something uniquely theirs. And when they finally reach the wonderful Wizard of Oz, they each get something different – but they all get what they need.

The story of Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Woodsman, and the Cowardly Lion – and Toto, too – is the story of all who seek happiness and fulfillment in their own lives. It is the quest to discover your true self – to develop your own brains, heart, and courage.

When I was a child, I read the Oz book. As I grew up, I watched the Oz movie … more than a few times. Over the years, I delighted in the Oz stage productions. And now, as I think about my life, I realize that all I really need to know about how to live a good life and be a good person, I learned from “The Wizard of Oz.” I found wisdom – not in sophisticated literature – but in a child’s story. These are the things I learned:

• Dream of the bright future you want.
• When there’s a storm coming, take cover.
• When you’re scared, hug your dog.
• If your house falls on someone, say you’re sorry.
• If you discover you’re lost, ask for directions from someone you trust.
• Be polite to little people and big people alike.
• Wear fabulous shoes.
• When someone needs your help, do your best to give it.
• Stand up to bullies and defend those who can’t defend themselves.
• Sometimes the most unlikely people turn out to be the best of friends.
• Skip, sing, and dance – make life fun.
• There are good witches and bad witches – both are your teachers.
• When the going gets tough, stick together.
• Not everything that scares you is dangerous, and not everything that is dangerous scares you. Pay attention.
• Courage doesn’t always roar – but it does when it needs to.
• The yellow brick road isn’t all smooth and straight – you’ll encounter obstacles, roadblocks, hazards, and detours. Be persistent.
• Wizards aren’t always what they seem.
• Challenges teach you to be creative and resourceful.
• You have all the brains, courage, and heart you need – you may just need someone to remind you.
• People come and go in your life, but true friends live forever in your heart.
• Go where the love is. There’s no place like home.