“There is a fifth dimension beyond that known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and dark, science and superstition, and lies between the abyss of man's fears and the height of his knowledge. It is a dimension of the imagination. It's an area we call The Twilight Zone! » (The Twilight Zone, 4) These are the words of Rod Serling, an American screenwriter who developed abstract visions and transmitted them to millions of people. Serling was one of the most influential and creative people of his time. He manipulated common fears, thoughts, suspicions, and ideas to show deeper morals and convey messages to his audience. Rodman Edward Serling grew up in Binghamton, New York. He was born on December 25, 1924. His father was Samuel Lawrence Serling, a butcher. His mother was Esther Cooper Serling and he had a brother, Robert J. Serling. (Rod Serling, 2 years old) They were raised in the Jewish tradition. As a child, his parents encouraged Rod's creative spirit. His brother often recalled taking long drives from Binghamton to Syracuse, during which his father would not allow anyone to speak until Rod stopped talking. Sometimes the trips lasted more than two hours, but Rod was the only one talking. His family members have often said that they were surprised that Rod chose a career as a director rather than an actor. (Serling, Rod, 1) After graduating from high school, Serling went to serve in World War II. He was a paratrooper in the Pacific and won a Purple Heart for his assistance in the liberation of the Philippines. (Rod Serling, 2) He suffered a wrist injury, but other than that, he returned home without any lasting physical injury. He nevertheless suffered slight trauma. After the war ended it went to the middle of the newspaper......and in the 50's it featured the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. And the name The Twilight Zone is now synonymous in our culture with a strange event. Serling has been ranked number one by critics in lists of the great science fiction writers of all time. He was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1985 (Rod Serling, 2). As you can see, Rod Serling used his creative and imaginative storylines to convey thoughts, ideas and messages to the American public. He influenced the science fiction community with his stories, he used the paranormal in innovative ways to influence his viewers. He made an impact on the world of television, as well as many people of all ages. He was one of the most creative, fascinating, influential and intelligent people of his time. Rod Serling's life was relatively normal, but his imagination was clearly straight from The Twilight Zone..