Are you feeling a drop in self-confidence right now? Do you lack inspiration? If so, this article is for you!
We offer you 5 of the most inspiring autobiographies, men and women who have marked the world with their incredible journeys and memorable exploits.
"I, MALALA" BY MALALA YOUSAFZAI
Malala Yousafzai is a 23-year-old Pakistani activist.Although already known to the general public before, she really marked the spirits in 2012, when she almost lost her life following her rebellion against the Taliban.
Who is Malala Yousafzai?
Malala was born on 12 July 1997 in Mingora, Pakistan. Mainly raised by her father, owner of a girls' school and activist for their rights, he encouraged her to testify for this cause, during his appearance on a BBC blog in 2009.
At the age of 11, she appeared in tears in "Diary of a Pakistani Schoolgirl" and denounced the terrorist acts of the Taliban, which plagued schools for girls in the Swat Valley.
In October 2012, she was shot in the head on her way out of school. After days of intensive care and several transfers to various hospitals, Malala is finally completely out of business. Her assassination attempt is claimed by the terrorist group Tahrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, which even threatens to cause further attacks if the girl survives.
During her quest for women's and girls' rights, Malala received several distinctions and awards:
- 2011: First National Youth Peace Award, later renamed Malala Prize in honor of the little girl.
- 2012: Simone de Beauvoir Prize for Women's Freedom.
- 2013: Ambassador of Conscience Award, Sakharov Prize, Catalonia International Prize and United Nations Human Rights Prize.
- 2014: Co-award of the Nobel Peace Prize.
- 2017: She is designated as the youngest Messenger of Peace by the United Nations.
"I, Malala, fight for education and I resist the Taliban"
In her 2013 autobiography, Malala Yousafzai tells her story and those of thousands of little girls who fight every day for the simple right to go to school.
In this poignant story, we plunge into the world of a brave little girl who dares to dream big despite the terrorism from which her country suffers. We discover the tragic daily life of Pakistani women and girls who are struggling to stay alive. Despite all the obstacles, even an assassination attempt failed to stop Malala and pushed her even more to raise her voice and defend the rights of her fellow human beings all over the world.
A true story of courage and will to read absolutely.
"I was born one blue day" – Daniel Tammet
Daniel Tammet is an English writer with Asperger's syndrome, initially known for his exceptional memory skills, thanks to which he manages to recite the first 22514 decimal places of Pi, earning him the European record in 2004.
Who is Daniel Tammet?
Daniel was born on January 31, 1979 in Barking, England. He comes from a very modest family and is the eldest of 9 children. Being small, he was long sidelined by other children because he was different, not extroverted enough. He was easily irritated by the world around him and tended to isolate himself in books; The epileptic seizures from which he suffered only aggravated the situation, even if they are often questioned in his synaesthesia. Despite all the warning signs, it was not until the age of 25 that he was officially diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome.
This gifted author and poet is hyperpolyglot (he speaks a dozen languages, including French) and is endowed with great abilities in the field of numbers.
Before moving to Avignon with his partner and devoting himself entirely to writing, Daniel Tammet taught English and even created his own language teaching site (Spanish and French): Optimnem.
"I was born on a blue day"
The peculiarity of this book is that Daniel Tammet wrote it directly in French, although it is not his mother tongue. Through his story, he tells us all the difficulties he encountered during his life, and more particularly his childhood. We discover how numbers helped him tame his world and better understand those around him. He describes mental arithmetic as landscapes that impose themselves on him in his head in the form of colors, textures, shapes…
It is a simple and sensitive Daniel Tammet that we discover behind his memories.
Autobiography or My Experiences of Truth – Gandhi
Gandhi, whose full name is Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, is a leader known for inciting resistance and dissent peacefully, without resorting to violence.
Who is Gandhi?
This great sage was born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar and died on January 30, 1948 assassinated in Delhi. During his lifetime, he was a writer, philosopher, editor, politician, activist and revolutionary… He played a major role in India's independence through his principle of civil disobedience through non-violence. During his militant quest, the Mahatma was imprisoned several times and spent a total of 6 years in prison.
Gandhi was a simple and very observant spiritual man. Considered the Father of the Nation, his birthday is celebrated throughout the country.
"Autobiography or my experiences of truth"
Through his autobiography, we discover Gandhi simpler than ever. Barely back from England after studying law, he found himself forced to leave India once more, leaving behind his wife, in order to go to South Africa, where he had found work.
It was during this period when he was hit by racism against people of color that his struggle began. He spent several years defending the rights of his people and was totally involved in their political struggles.
We also discover through his autobiography, a loving father who wants to give the best to his children, even if he has not always made the right decisions.
When he realized that he could not devote himself completely to his family while continuing his militant quest, Gandhi took a vow of chastity in order to have no more children and returned permanently to India where he created an Ashram. It states that:
"Thought must be subject to will. Involuntary thinking is a disease of the mind."
Behind his inspiring story, it is above all a sensitive and determined man who shares with us his vision of a better world and gives us his instructions to live in peace.
The Art of Victory – Philip Knight
For those who do not know him, Philip Knight is none other than the founder of the great Nike brand of which he was also the CEO until 2006.
Who is Philip Knight?
Philip Knight (born February 24, 1982) is an American businessman. During his studies in Oregon, he spent all his time in track and field stadiums where he practiced middle distance.
He partnered with the Asics brand to sell shoes, before co-creating his own Blue Ribbon Sports brand with his coach at the time Bill Bowerman. It is this company that later becomes Nike (the name coming from the goddess of victory Nike).
The Art of Victory
In his autobiography, Phil Knight takes us behind the scenes and the history of the great empire that is Nike. This book is primarily intended for fans of the brand and sports enthusiasts, but it can also inspire all people who doubt themselves and do not think they can succeed.
The businessman puts forward a story about entrepreneurship and the feat that a person can achieve with will. He tells us without tongue in cheek some problems he may have encountered in his career and provides explanations for some rather controversial decisions of the brand.
This autobiography could open the eyes of more than one on the sports shoe industry and bring a whole new vision.
"I know why the caged bird sings" – Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou is one of the most influential women in America and the world. A multi-talented artist, poet, writer, actress and civil rights activist, she was not spared by life. Despite this, she manages to rise and make history with her will and determination.
"You can shoot me down with your words,
Cut me with your eyes,
Kill me with all your hatred,
But like the air, I still rise." – Excerpt from Maya Angelou's poem Je m'ève encore.
To learn more about this inspiring woman, find her story and her best quotes.
"I know why the caged bird sings"
In this first volume of Maya Angelou's autobiographical stories, we discover her childhood and adolescence until the age of 17. It is also one of the works that has contributed the most to its popularity.
She tells us about the daily life of a little girl of color, between rape and racism, who fights every day for the simple right to exist.
"I know why sings the caged bird" is above all the story of a child who dreams of freedom, expresses herself and manages to make her voice heard, even if the world wants to lock her up.
All of these inspiring stories have been chosen to show you that in life, nothing is impossible until you give up. These women and men fought to get to where they are and set an example for generations to come.
And you, which story inspires you the most? Tell us in the comments!
If you are still eager to read, take a look at our article on the best personal development books, you will find nuggets to read as soon as possible!
