Illiterate, mid-90s old man learns to read, writes book, and shames all of our lazy asses.

According to a story from USAToday, Jim Henry was a lobsterman most of his life. And like many young people who came of age during the Great Depression, he was forced to work to support his family.

Pulled out of the third grade before he had a grasp of reading, he spent the next 85+ years faking his ability to read around friends and family.

By the time he retired from the lobster trade in his mid-90s, Henry decided it was time to learn how to read. And learn he did. And write, too. The one/two combo has led Henry to write down the interesting vignettes from his very, very long and industrious life--which he's had published now. In a Fisherman's Language came out late last year.

Now 98 years old, and an expert reader for about three years, Henry is emotional. "I'm so happy, I catch myself crying," he told USAToday.

Makes you feel a little lazy now by comparison, eh? I feel like a total deadbeat.



photo: USAToday