Why do we like to read biographies?

George Santayana wrote in 1905:

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Reading real experiences gives us content for the decisions and the consequences we face in our daily lives. History (recent or distant) will always repeat itself because those who make history were and are human beings.

One of the best ways to gain experience by teaching historical figures is to read their biographies. They promote self-knowledge and self-discovery. These readings serve as valuable shortcuts to help you make improvements and get better results in your life.

In a biography, you will discover new ideas and different approaches. This learning process is rewarding and long-lasting. They allow you to see the world in another way. Instead of just focusing on your professional discipline, you will be reading about someone, from a different era, from a different country, from a different culture, from a new perspective.

If you’ve read about the lives of Abraham Lincoln, Gandhi, Churchill, Henry Ford, you have a glimpse of what their minds were like and now you have the advantage of ‘knowing’ how they acted and succeeded.

These people can become your mentors at a distance if you allow yourself to accept the indirect advice that your past experiences can offer you.

The author Kimberly Amici says her children love to read biographies. And she mentions on her blog some reasons why she encourages them to continue reading:

1. Biographies help children see the world from a different perspective: There is much more that we can learn about life than just inside the home. They can learn indirectly from other people whose life is nothing like ours.

2. Biographies teach valuable lessons: Wisdom can be gained from other people’s experiences, behaviors, and examples. This learning process is effective and satisfying, helping children to reflect on important values ​​and principles of famous people.

3. The biography helps to create empathy and understanding: The story of someone who lived in a different era exposes children to things they could never experience. Reading the history of people from the past will help them appreciate and respect similarities and differences.

4. The biography extends the vision for the future: Hearing about what others have done, despite circumstances and consequences, encourages them to dream. It gives hope that they will be able to face the challenges that may come their way.

I believe that biographies make us discover fascinating people. And the stories behind these people involve our imagination and inspire us to put our ideas into practice and turn our dreams into reality.

What is your favorite biography? Leave your comment to inspire everyone with the valuable teachings you have learned.