7 Reasons To Read Autobiographies Of Successful People
Books have always remained man’s best friends. They survive the test of time and share with us the knowledge of the past. They speak to us and guide us in many critical situations in our lives. Even the library at Thebes has the inscription ‘Medicine for the Soul’ over its doors. Most people love reading stories that provide temporary entertainment and they have no interest in retaining what they had read earlier. Though a reading habit such as this increases vocabulary and improves one’s language, writing and reading skills, it does little to enhance his/her personality. This is where non-fiction steps in and the prime focus in this genre is on life stories of successful people. Life stories can be presented in the form of biographies as well as autobiographies. To a layman, the basic distinction between the two is that a biography is presented by someone other than the person on whom it is written and is written in third person whereas an autobiography is written by the person himself and is written in first person. Thus, the reader gets a first-hand account of his/her personal life from a famous personality. Most individuals would consider reading an autobiography pretty boring but they don’t realize that it is a treasure trove of knowledge and experience of which much can be learnt. Yoshida Kenkō once said, ‘To sit alone in the lamplight with a book spread out before you, and hold intimate converse with men of unseen generations — such is a pleasure beyond compare’. Here are seven reasons why you should read an autobiography of a famous personality and how it would affect your life.
1. They act as a guiding light
People who are successful have achieved something in life which is why they are looked up to by society. Most of the individuals who are pioneers in their fields can act as a guiding light for people who intend to begin from scratch. In a way, they mentor you without claiming credit of any sort.
2. They motivate you
Successful people have many such qualities that inspire and motivate their followers. They set an example for others to follow. They motivate their followers to pursue their dream and attain the success that they have achieved in life. Many of their life’s experiences can prove to be great motivating forces.
3. They change your outlook
Reading autobiographies of successful people give you a new perspective on everything mundane. You begin to see things in a whole new light and begin to face problems with an increased level of confidence. You might start appreciating the simple things of life and use things that you may never have thought of to solve your problems and challenges. This would also help change your basic attitude towards life.
