Chris Gardner’s autobiography, “The Pursuit of Happyness”, is worth your time to read, front to back. In it, Chris Gardner records his journey, from his fatherless, poor working class upbringing in Milwaukee, to his stint in the Navy, to his first marriage, his second marriage and the birth of his son, to the breakup of his second marriage, his climb from the the streets of San Francisco with his son, through the establishment of his career as a big time stock broker and investor. Along the way he doesn’t flinch from documenting the bad decisions he may have made or emotions that haunted his heart.
It’s an inspiring story, and one I bet many can relate to, even if they did not face the kinds of trials and tribulations that he did on his way to achieving success and purpose in life.
Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan press on has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race. – Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933) – my favorite quotes page
I avoided seeing the movie based upon the book (my manager, Anandhan, has a great in-depth review on his blog), because I was afraid that the story would paint *too* positive a picture of him. From what I’ve read, the movie glosses over much of what the book provides you – a deeper look into a man driven by hopes, dreams, and beginnings. Sadly it seems the movie attributes genius as a major factor to his success (the Rubik’s cube scene is not in the book – just a small example) – where the book makes clear – it was persistence and heart that defined it. I plan on renting it and giving it a gander, nevertheless.
While I may not be a multi-millionaire, I most definitely can relate to Chris Gardner’s story and his perspectives on many aspects of life.
I almost want to say that if you want to know more about me personally – read this book.
Almost.
Karl , I agree ( i have not read the book) that they have portrayed Chris Gardner as an extremely talented guy. I am not sure if they made it up to spice up the movie or it was a detail that Gardner missed in his book. Either way You should rent the movie !
I will š
i would like to know chris gardner’s email address!!!!!!!!!!!
I would like to know Chris Gardner’s email address. Would you please send it to me? Thank you
I would like to know Chris Gardner’s email address. Would you please send it to me? Thank you
Karl: Which parts of Chris Gardner’s book are ALMOST like you? Here’s and even bigger question: how does one pursue ‘happyness’ when you don’t know what makes you happy? What method or process can a person use to determine what makes them happy?? I am 42 years old, and even with all of my education, I am still trying to find my path in life. BTW – I, too, wouldn’t mind having Mr. Gardner’s e-mail address just to say the single word ‘Congratulations.’
In the book, not the movie, he admitted making some choices I found questionable having to do with how he took care of his son, versus fighting for his career. I didn’t walk in his shoes of course, but I tend to think I would have handled similar situations differently. Hopefully would have kept on fighting as he did however. He definitely deserves a lot of respect.
WI would love to have Chris Gardner email address
I am doing a History Day project on Chris Gardner. So there for i would like to know his email address to do an online interveiw with him. This would be a wonderful experience for me.
Thank you for your time,
Taylor R.
I do not have his email address. I have no contact information. Whomever is propagating the idea that I have his contact information is incorrect.