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The Sacredness of Nature

My spiritual strength comes from the sacredness of nature, from its powers to heal and renew, uplift and transform. That awareness gives me the strength to continue to fight for the health of our planet. And it helps me to remember the WHY of environmental work, what exactly is worth all the fuss.

Put differently �� I intentionally choose to live primarily in the body of nature’s beauty, power, and inspiration, rather than in the body of nature’s perils and impending doom. While I certainly understand the importance of seeing our world’s troubles honestly and clearly, and the parallel importance of always following the science, that’s very different from dwelling in despair, anger, and disempowerment.

That is why, for my life and work, I choose to dwell in the authentic celebration of to inspire our minds, renew our hearts, and heal our aching souls.

In the same way that honest reporting of environmental destruction requires courage �� it also requires courage to maintain an attitude of positivity, gratitude, and commitment to helping to save our planet. It might seem easier, at times, to give up and live in despair. Yet it’s essential we remember there are genuine reasons for �� the ideals of young people and the resilience of nature, among others. That awareness is crucial if we are going to do the enormously hard work of protecting our planet and the living creatures it supports, including the species who dares to call itself Sapiens.

Some may criticize my attitude as unrealistic and Panglossian. While I certainly recognize that there are dangers to being overly optimistic, just as there are dangers to being overly negative, I don’t feel at all unrealistic. No, I feel that this attitude embraces the whole of our world, with all its potential. So let’s be honest about the problems we face while also celebrating the miracles around us. For if we environmentalists are too negative, we risk losing our way �� as well as our courage to make the necessary changes happen.

And we also risk losing our ability to persuade others to join the cause of protecting our living planet. We have a much greater likelihood of convincing others, people who may be in denial about environmental crises, if we adopt a stance of passionate and all her wonders and inspirations �� combined with candid recognition of the challenges we face. That stance is, at its cone, welcoming rather than condemning. And it’s also empowering for all people who are brave and generous of heart, encouraging them to make choices that could help to turn the tide for our beloved by beleaguered home.

What I’m saying boils down to this: We really CAN save our planet and many of its complex ecosystems and wondrous creatures. But that will happen only if enough people believe two things �� that the sheer brilliance of Earthly life is really worth making sacrifices to protect; and that we really do have the power to prevail.

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Why I Still Believe in Happy Endings (Even in a Troubled World)

From the time I was a young boy, lying in bed and listening to my mother read stories aloud, I found myself drawn to tales that ended with a glimmer of hope. Not because they were predictable or saccharine �� but because they felt like a lifeline. Even as a child, I sensed that life could be messy, complicated, and sometimes painfully unfair. But if a story could land in a place of healing, redemption, or even joy, then maybe �� just maybe �� so could we.

Now, decades later, I still believe in happy endings. Not because I’m naive, but because I’ve seen what the human spirit is capable of when it holds onto hope.

Why We Need Happy Endings

Happy endings don’t promise a perfect world. Instead, they offer something much more valuable: the belief that change is possible. That growth is attainable. That even through sorrow or struggle, something beautiful can emerge.

In my own books �� whether it’s Merlin confronting his deepest fears, or Promi standing up for a world on the brink �� I try to honor the truth of hardship while also pointing toward the possibility of renewal. Because I believe that’s what makes stories powerful: not that they avoid darkness, but that they illuminate it with courage and heart.

Stories have always helped us navigate turbulent times. Think of Anne Frank’s diary, written during one of the darkest periods of history, yet filled with extraordinary light. Or Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, a testament to the resilience of the human soul. Or even ancient myths, where heroes face monsters now just outside, but within.

A happy ending, then, is not an escape �� it’s a destination. One that reminds us what’s worth striving for.

Hope Isn’t Passive. It’s Powerful.

There’s a misconception that optimism is passive �� that it’s just wishing for a better world. But I would argue the opposite. To believe in happy endings is to take action. It’s to write the next chapter of the story with intention.

When we imagine a better future, we give ourselves the blueprint to create it. That’s why I often say imagination is our greatest natural resource; it fuels innovation, empathy, and the drive to improve our world. Believing in happy endings means we’re willing to work for them.

And as I look around today, I see countless people doing just that. Young environmentalists . Teachers nurturing their students in times of uncertainty. Artists using their voices to inspire hope and unity. These, too, are stories. And they matter deeply.

When Stories Reflect Real Life

People sometimes ask me why I choose to . My answer is simple: fantasy allows us to speak truth in a way that resonates across time, space, and culture. It holds a mirror up to our world and shows us not just who we are, but who we might become.

A ’s cave might symbolize our darkest fears. A magical forest might represent the unknown future. A hero’s journey may mirror the choices we all must make. And when these stories end with healing, reunion, or justice, they give us a template for our own lives.

Because here’s the secret: happy endings aren’t guaranteed. They’re earned. And they don’t mean everything is perfect. They mean that something meaningful has been gained �� love, wisdom, peace, perspective.

What Kind of Ending Will You Write?

Every day, each of us is writing a story. With our actions, our choices, and our relationships, we decide the tone of the tale. Will it be one of kindness? Courage? Curiosity? Resilience?

We may not control everything in our lives, but we can choose what we bring to the page.

So yes, I still believe in happy endings. Not because the world isn’t complicated, but because it is. And that’s exactly why we need stories that lift us, guide us, and remind us that even through brokenness, something whole can grow.

Let your life be a story �� and let its ending, whenever it comes, be one of meaning, purpose, and .

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My Life As A Story (Still Being Written)

Life is the greatest story of all �� a tale we each have the privilege to write. In this reflective piece, originally published in the Rhodes Scholar Bulletin, I share how my own story has unfolded, from early adventures and unexpected detours to the lifelong pursuit of writing and . Along the way, I’ve found that the best chapters are often the ones we never could have planned.

My Life as a Story (Still Being Written)

Reflections for Rhodes Scholars bulletin
February 2022

Maybe it’s the result of many years as a full-time writer�� but I tend to see life as a story. A story that each one of us gets to write. We are given a certain amount of material, some dramatic moments, a few major surprises, one or two great mysteries, some memorable punch lines, and (let’s hope) a bit of guiding light from enduring values. Put all that together and we have a story that’s uniquely our own.

What sort of story will we write? Will it be tragic and sorrowful, darkly humorous, or meaningful and inspiring? Anything is possible.

Back when we were together at Oxford in the 1970s, I had no clue about my story. What it would be about was impossible to imagine. All I could do was focus on the current chapter, which had elements of a failed romance, a musical comedy, and a fantasy adventure. There was no point in trying to outline the next few chapters �� I was in my 20s and everything seemed in flux. All I knew was how much more there was to learn about life. And also that my best teachers were friendships, gratitude, curiosity, sense of wonder, and my longing to travel to wild places around the globe.

Several more chapters came in rapid succession �� amazing adventures in Asia and Africa, a huge stack of rejection letters from the publishers who saw my first novel, time studying law and business, a decade in the realm of private equity and venture capital (a realm more bizarre than the plot of my rejected fantasy novel). Oh yes, and there were more romances �� some painful, some surprising, and one that was wonderfully uplifting (with the woman who has been my wife now for 36 years). Then came a whole new chapter: As president of the firm, I surprised folks by resigning, hoping to give another try to my dream of becoming a writer. That was three decades ago �� and more than 30 books ago. (Plus many international editions and a movie project that has had more lives than a magical cat.)

But the best chapters were still to come. I’ve loved being a dad (and now a granddad), serving many NGOs in conservation and education, encouraging aspiring writers, founding a few programs for outstanding young people, learning to play marimba, and doing what I can to help our troubled world.

And yet�� I’m still very aware of how much more there is to learn about life. And still not quite sure how to describe the story I’m writing. Maybe the next few chapters will tell.

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Musings on Mortality

Today, I’d like to share with you all a passage from my journals from 2021 �� a musing that was actually written deep in the middle of the pandemic when there was a lot of suffering and a lot of darkness and hardship for people everywhere, which lead me to think more about mortality and how precious and vulnerable life really is.

Musings on Mortality

Let’s always remember the brevity of life. Sure, that awareness is enough to make us sad�� but it also reminds us of the gift, the wonder, the miracle of it all.

The question is not “why is life so short?�� but rather “what am I going to do with my one, brief, beautiful life?��

Long ago, I realized that the fact of mortality gives us all a choice: We can live our lives in fear of death, or in denial of death. Or, whatever happens in our lives, whatever the world throws at us �� we can choose to see our finite lives as a lovely, magical gift �� our one-time opportunity to be all that we can be. To explore and discover. To smell apple blossoms in springtime. To love fully and freely. To do whatever good we can for the world. To tell our own unique story.

With every passing day, I feel increasingly grateful for the gift of life. It has inspired me to grow in surprising ways. It has brought enduring meaning, great challenges, fresh baked bread, and true love. And it has led me to find sources of hope and renewal that still inspire me every day.

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The Magic of Storytelling: Why I Write Fantasy

Every time I sit down to write, I’m reminded of the profound gift storytelling offers us. Through stories, we connect with each other, explore universal truths, and, most importantly, expand our imaginations. Fantasy, in particular, opens doors to limitless possibilities, allowing us to step into worlds filled with wonder, mystery, and meaning.

Why Fantasy?

With all the magic of the natural world around me, why do I create new worlds when I pick up my pen? Some of the reasons I write fantasy are probably the same reasons why so many people read it. What’s more exhilarating than traveling to an enchanted realm, uncovering lost civilizations, or discovering the true power of magic?

But fantasy is about more than escape �� it is a way to better understand ourselves and our place in the world. By bending reality, we shine light on truths that might be harder to recognize in our everyday lives. When , when Promi wrestles with his fate in Atlantis, when Tamwyn searches for his purpose, these journeys reflect our own quests for identity, meaning, and belonging.

The Art of Worldbuilding

To make fantasy feel real, a writer must create a world that is both magical and believable. �� the geography, the creatures, the cultures, even the way magic itself functions. The best fantasy worlds feel as though they’ve always existed, just waiting for us to explore them.

For me, worldbuilding is a joyful challenge. I’ve spent years imagining places like Fincayra, Avalon, and Atlantis, weaving together landscapes, histories, and mythologies. But the key is not just in the grandeur of these worlds �� it’s in their small, intimate details. The scent of salt air on a coastal breeze, the hum of an ancient oak tree, the glimmer of light on a wizard’s staff �� these are the elements that make a fantasy world come alive.

Characters That Feel Real

A world, no matter how dazzling, is only as compelling as the characters who inhabit it. Fantasy works best when its are fully realized �� flawed, courageous, struggling, growing. They must face challenges that test their beliefs and force them to evolve.

Merlin’s journey, for instance, is not just about discovering magic �� it’s about understanding himself. He makes mistakes. He questions his path. He feels fear, grief, and doubt. But through those struggles, he becomes the legend we know.

This is what makes fantasy resonate so deeply. Even in the most extraordinary settings, characters experience emotions and dilemmas that feel real. Their journeys mirror our own, reminding us that growth, transformation, and even a little magic are possible.

The Power of Imagination

One of the greatest gifts of fantasy is that it nurtures imagination. It encourages us to dream beyond what we know, to ask “what if,�� to see the world with fresh eyes. Imagination is not just for children �� it is essential for all of us, at any age. It fuels creativity, problem-solving, and innovation.

I believe that when we engage with fantasy, we are exercising a vital part of our minds �� the ability to envision something new, to explore the unknown, to embrace wonder. And in a world that sometimes feels too rigid, too constrained by what is practical or expected, imagination is an act of courage.

Your Own Story Awaits

Every reader brings their own imagination to a story, making it uniquely theirs. That is the true magic of storytelling. A book is more than ink and paper �� it is a doorway. And when we step through, we embark on our own journey of discovery.

So whether you are venturing into the forests of Avalon, standing on the shores of Atlantis, or simply dreaming of lands yet unknown, I hope you find in the boundless possibilities of fantasy. After all, the greatest adventures often begin with the turn of a page.

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Merlin’s Advice to Newlyweds

In 2018, I had the joy of writing a letter for a couple just beginning their journey together �� a letter filled with hopes, magic, and heartfelt wishes.Today, I’m delighted to share those same words with you.

, much like magic, is a powerful force. It has the ability to transform, to heal, and to inspire. It grows when nurtured and deepens with time, much like two trees whose roots intertwine beneath the soil.

Though this letter was written for newlyweds, its message goes beyond any single moment. Whether you are stepping hand-in-hand into a new chapter or have already traveled many seasons together, may these words remind you of the wonder in the world around you and the strength you find in each other.

May love �� and all its quiet, magical moments �� guide your story forward.

Below, you’ll find the original letter, inspired by the wisdom of Merlin, the courage of Rhia, and the ever-enthusiastic spirit of their friend Shim. 

Merlin’s Advice to Newlyweds

Dear Newlywed Couple,

In the spirit of Merlin and Rhia, I am wishing you the very best in all the ways that matter most!

May you have many wondrous, indeed magical, times together. And may you grow closer and closer with the years, so that your hearts entwine as the branches of two trees that are equally strong and beautiful.

What advice for a good life would Merlin have for you? My guess is that he would say this:

Reach out to hold the hand of someone you love. Feel the peace of a summer night when the wind whispers its secrets. Whether in your days or your dreams, run with the grace of a deer. Plant a new and wondrous seed. Honor the sacredness that surrounds us�� and the mystery beneath it all.

I am sending you my warmest wishes in your life together. And I’m also wishing you the magic of Merlin in everything you do. As Rhia and Merlin’s dear friend Shim would say, “Certainly, definitely, absolutely!��

Yours Sincerely,

T. A. Barron

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Musings on Resilience

How to convey the meaning of resilience? Stories. For stories are the very best way to communicate resilience �� as well as other core values such as courage, compassion, perseverance, honesty, generosity, humility, and hope.

Why? Our brains are, quite simply, inclined to take in our most important ideas and moral principles through the context of stories. The more authentic and genuinely moving those stories are, the deeper those ideas will affect our lives and worldviews. When we inhabit the minds of characters and experience their challenges �� even though those characters and challenges may be utterly imaginary �� we learn about the power of those characters�� choices, the anguish of their moral dilemmas, the limits of mortality, and the qualities we share with people who might at first seem very different from ourselves.

It’s no accident that diverse people and cultures around the world have long embedded their most cherished values and ways of understanding the world within stories. That has been true throughout history and it remains true today. How those stories are ultimately shared doesn’t matter, whether that happens around a crackling fire or in a theater or on a computer screen or in an epic poem or through a book. We are all fluent in the language of story.

Paradoxically, while we humans are dangerously proficient in sowing division and antagonism among ourselves, we are equally proficient in telling stories that can truly bind us together. For stories have the magical ability to leap across all the boundaries of language, culture, religion, geography, and time �� to connect people of any era, any place, and any description. And that’s not all: Stories that are richly imagined and vividly told can also connect us to the other, nonhuman creatures and elements that inhabit the same world as we do, our companions on the Earth’s continuing journey around the sun.

The nexus of that connection is deeply mysterious. After decades of laboring to write books, I still don’t comprehend the wondrous links between story and self, shared reality and imagination, fleeting dreams and enduring ideas. What I have learned, though, is that stories carry a great power �� the power to remind us all of our highest ideals as well as our common experiences. In a world that’s too often painful, distracted, and divided, that power can give us unending wonder, context, healing, understanding, and inspiration. 

And yes, resilience.

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A Letter, a Dream, and Two Decades of Writing

Among the best parts of being a bard is the opportunity to encourage aspiring writers. It always lifts my heart to meet these genuinely open-hearted, passionate, thoughtful people who have their own unique stories to tell. 

Writing is incredibly hard work �� but it can also be deeply meaningful, truly satisfying work. So I do my very best to encourage these writers, to put wind in their sails. For the boats attached to those sails could voyage to many wonderful places, landing in the hearts and minds of people everywhere.

This week I got a totally unexpected message from one of those aspiring writers, a young man named Alex Rosenthal. It seems that 20 years ago, when he was just 8 years old, he’d written a story and handed it to me at a book event. After that book tour ended and I returned home, I read his story. And I wrote him a letter to encourage him to keep writing. 

Well, to his enormous credit, he’s done exactly that �� and now, 20 years later, he sent me the complete manuscript of his own epic fantasy novel. I’m so very proud of him for staying true to his dream �� and for finding that magical mixture of passion and perseverance that it takes to write a book!

Along with the manuscript, he sent me a photo of the letter I’d sent him so long ago. He has kept it for two decades, just to remind himself of the importance of following his passion. 

Here’s the best part. Alex has done more than just write a story. He’s taken his life seriously. He’s filled his days with meaning and purpose. He’s stayed true to his soul. 

So I wrote him another letter �� this time, a letter of heartfelt celebration. I praised his writing, which was marvelous. But more importantly, I praised his courage, integrity, and perseverance. And with great pleasure, I concluded it with these words:

Congratulations from your fellow writer,

T. A. Barron

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Returning to My Childhood Library

The librarians at the Harvard Public Library invited me to come and speak to anyone who might be interested. They told me that my talk would be held in the old section of the building, which was actually the original Bromfield School. The excitement in advance of this event surprised me �� after all, it had been over 40 years since I’d been a kid at Bromfield Elementary School. I got many letters from folks I hadn’t heard from in ages. There was even a story in the Boston Globe about my return visit to Harvard.

Well, I knew I was in trouble when I got to the library �� and there were so many people who’d arrived early that the stairs were overflowing with folks. By the time I made it through the crowded stairs and up to the auditorium, at least 10 people had called me “Tommy”�� which was 10 more times than I’d been called that name in over 40 years!

Then I realized that the auditorium was, in fact, the old art room from my elementary school days. No doubt, somewhere on that floor, were the charred marks from when I accidentally set the pottery kiln on fire! I could almost feel the presence of our art teacher, Mrs. Ostertag, right there in that very room, shaking her head at me in despair.

What a wonderful time we had that evening �� and the stories about life in Harvard were the best part. Plus it was great to see so many familiar faces. My childhood friend Mark Henry was there, along with his sister, as were many other people I hadn’t seen in ages but could never forget.

The most surprising reunion came after my talk. An elderly gentleman with bright eyes, now in his 90s, came up to me and asked, “Do you know who I am?�� Sheepishly, I said, “No sir.�� He lifted his cane and poked me in the ribs, then said, “I got you through the measles.�� Suddenly I knew exactly who he was. “Doctor Harris!�� I exclaimed, recognizing Benjamin Harris, my pediatrician from the earliest years of my life. He nodded, his eyes shining brighter than ever. “Right, lad. And since you got over the measles�� you’ve done all right.��

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Why Merlin is the Greatest Wizard of All Time

Wizards abound in literature and legend, from Gandalf and Dumbledore to lesser-known spellcasters whose tales have captivated us for centuries. But among them all, one figure stands out as the ultimate wizard: Merlin.

What makes him so extraordinary? Why does he continue to resonate with audiences after more than a thousand years?

As I wrote the , I found myself continually drawn to the many facets of his character �� his humility, his humor, and his unshakable belief in humanity’s potential. Merlin reminds us that magic isn’t just about casting spells; it’s about finding wonder in the ordinary and inspiring greatness in others.

Merlin is not just a character; he embodies the essence of magic itself, but also something deeper �� something profoundly human. His timeless legacy continues to inspire us, not just because of the spells he casts, but because of the light he brings to our world.

Seven Reasons Why Merlin is the Greatest Wizard of AllOriginal: Merlin is the original wizard, whose stories began well over 1,000 years ago in Celtic Britain. And how amazing is this �� today he’s known all around the world and is more beloved than ever!Universal: Merlin stands for the universality of all people, no matter their background, culture, religion, or status. To Merlin, every person matters. A lot.All About Love: Merlin loves humanity �� our weaknesses as well as our strengths. His great compassion comes from understanding his own light and dark sides, so he truly feels for us at the deepest levels. That’s why he was the ideal mentor for young King Arthur.Full of Hope: Merlin has unending hope for humanity. That’s why he encouraged King Arthur to create Camelot, a realm based on justice for all. Even though Merlin knew that Camelot would fail in Arthur’s time, it was such a powerful �� and hopeful �� idea that he still wanted to give it to humanity.Inspired by Nature: Merlin’s deepest wisdom and spiritual strength comes . From the seasons, he learns the miracle of renewal; from the butterfly, he learns the power of transformation; and from the eagle on high, he learns how we can soar freely.Able to Live Backward in Time: Merlin grows younger every year. Do you know anyone else who can do that? Believe me, I’ve often wished that I could do it! Maybe someday he’ll teach me how it’s done.Just Plain Adorable: Merlin may be venerable, celebrated, and wise beyond words. But he is also, well�� adorable. That twinkle in his eye. That amazing, luminous beard. That hearty laugh of body and soul. What’s not to love?

Merlin’s story is, at its heart, a reminder that every one of us carries a spark of magic. Whether through our compassion, creativity, or courage, we have the power to shape the world around us. And that, perhaps, is the greatest magic of all.

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