If you’re looking for inspiration and a deeper understanding of life, looking to biographies of those who have achieved great things can be the perfect way to start. Every inspiring biography tells a unique story, filled with triumphs, failures, and lessons for living a successful life. The 10 inspiring biographies below are sure to leave you with a renewed sense of hope and a better understanding of your own life.
From athletes to politicians to movie stars, these biographies will give you an in-depth look into the lives of some of the greatest people who ever lived. Whether you’re interested in world changers or just want to read an inspiring story, these 10 biographies will help you find the courage and determination to make your own mark on the world.
1. Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom
Nelson Mandela’s life is one of the most inspiring stories of all time. His determined pursuit of freedom, his commitment to peace, and his willingness to forgive his enemies are all hallmarks of greatness. Mandela, a revolutionary and politician, led South Africa’s struggle against apartheid, a system of racial segregation, for decades.
He was imprisoned for 27 years and forbidden from seeing his wife and children. Despite this, he never lost faith in the future of his homeland. When he was released from prison, he was offered the chance to lead the country. Although he was in poor health, he refused to let his people go without a fight.
Mandela worked tirelessly to bring about change. His deep commitment to equality and forgiveness, and his willingness to put the interests of his country above all else, make him one of the most inspiring figures in world history.
2. Muhammad Ali’s The Greatest: My Own Story
Muhammad Ali’s life is a fascinating account of courage, resilience, and triumph over adversity. The man who would become known as “The Greatest” was born Cassius Clay, the son of a sign painter. He sought to escape his humble beginnings by winning an Olympic gold medal and becoming one of the best boxers of his time. After winning an Olympic gold medal he changed his name to Muhammad Ali and converted to Islam.
This would help to shape the rest of his life. When he refused to serve in the Vietnam War for religious reasons, he was stripped of his boxing title and banned from the sport. In the years that followed, he suffered from serious health problems and struggled financially. In spite of all this, Ali never lost his sense of humor or optimism.
With a positive attitude and unwavering faith, he would go on to have a remarkable comeback, becoming a cultural icon and inspiring millions around the world. Through his example, he showed that greatness comes from embracing who you are and not letting anything stop you from reaching your full potential.
3. Steve Jobs’s Becoming Steve Jobs
Few CEOs are as famous and controversial as Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple. Jobs’s life was full of ironies: he revolutionized the computer industry and built an empire out of an idea he got from a fruitarian diet cult, yet he was also a champion of humanism and simplicity.
In his last book before he died, Jobs tried to explain how he became who he was, and how other people could learn from his experiences. It’s a fascinating, if slightly scattershot, book that is sure to leave a lasting impression on its readers.
If you want to know how one of the most successful CEO’s of all time became the person he was, this is the book for you.
4. Ernest Shackleton’s South
Ernest Shackleton’s journey to the South Pole is one of the defining adventures of the 20th century. His leadership, bravery, and resilience in the face of extreme danger are the stuff of legend. Shackleton did not reach the South Pole, but in many ways, he succeeded more than any other explorer of his time. He brought his ship and all of his crew home safely after they became trapped in the pack ice.
The journey, which lasted more than two years and covered more than 16,000 miles, was the farthest south any expedition had ever sailed. Shackleton’s expedition remains a remarkable story of human endurance. His account of the journey is fascinating, horrifying, and inspiring. In it, he provides a unique look into the heart of the Antarctic and a lesson about what it means to be human.
5. Simone Biles’s Courage to Soar
Simone Biles’s meteoric rise to greatness is an inspiring story of grit and determination. Biles grew up in a rough neighborhood in Texas where she experienced a lot of hardships. Fortunately, she was able to find an escape in gymnastics, which became her passion and her escape from a tough reality. She was a victim of sexual abuse by a trusted friend, and she didn’t tell anyone about it for years.
Through sheer force of will, Biles overcame these and many other obstacles to become one of the most successful gymnasts of all time. Her story shows that you don’t have to come from a wealthy family or win a scholarship to achieve greatness. All you have to do is have the courage and determination to follow your heart and pursue your dreams.
6. Malala Yousafzai’s I Am Malala
Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist for female education and the co-founder of the Malala Fund, is an inspiration to millions. Her story is one of courage and resilience. When she was just 11 years old, Yousafzai was shot by a Taliban commander for advocating for girls’ education.
Despite this, she continued to fight for what she believed in, even going on to win a Nobel Peace Prize. Her memoir is a fascinating look into her life, and it’s sure to inspire every reader. Yousafzai is a remarkable woman with a story that will stay with you for a long time.
7. Amelia Earhart’s Last Flight
Amelia Earhart’s disappearance is one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in aviation history. Earhart was the first woman to fly over the Atlantic Ocean, and she became one of the most famous female aviators in history. Her disappearance is the subject of many theories, but no concrete answers have ever been found.
In her biography, Earhart tells the story of her life, including her last flight. Her account is fascinating and sure to leave any reader both saddened and inspired. Earhart’s story is a tragic one, but it is also a story of determination, perseverance, and courage. She is a remarkable woman who deserves to be remembered.
8. John F. Kennedy’s A Thousand Days
John F. Kennedy is one of the most famous figures in American history, and his presidency is often seen as the golden age of American politics. His youth, charm, and charisma marked him as a unique leader. His book, A Thousand Days, is a fascinating account of his time in office.
It provides a unique insight into the world of politics, and it is sure to leave any reader with a new appreciation for the presidency. Through his book, Kennedy shows that the pursuit of public service is a noble one and that a leader must always be willing to sacrifice some of his own interests for the greater good.
9. Walt Disney’s Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination
Walt Disney is one of the most famous names in American history. His movies and theme parks have inspired billions of people around the world. His determination and optimism in the face of failure and adversity are the stuff of legend.
In his biography, Disney tells the story of his life and the creation of his empire. It’s a fascinating look into the life of one of the greatest personalities of the 20th century. If you’re interested in the history of American culture, or you’re just interested in learning more about a fascinating person, then this is the book for you.
Conclusion
These biographies are a great introduction to the world of inspirational literature. They will give you the information you need to understand the lives of some of the greatest people who have ever lived, while also leaving you with an appreciation for the human condition. These books will help you find your own path to greatness, and they will leave you with a better understanding of the world around you.
