Learn from Chris Gardner's The Pursuit of Happyness: Tips and Advice for Life and Business

The Pursuit of Happyness: A True Story of Rags to Riches

Have you ever wondered how some people manage to rise from the depths of despair to the heights of success? How they overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and achieve their dreams? How they turn their tragedies into triumphs?

The Pursuit Of Happyness Chris Gardner Book Download

If you are looking for an example of such a person, look no further than Chris Gardner. He is the author of The Pursuit of Happyness, a memoir that chronicles his journey from being a homeless single father to becoming a millionaire stockbroker, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and motivational speaker.

In this article, we will tell you more about Chris Gardner's life story, why you should read his book, and how you can download it for free. Read on to discover how this remarkable man turned his life around and inspired millions of people around the world.

Who is Chris Gardner?

Chris Gardner was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1954. He grew up in a poor and abusive household, where he witnessed his stepfather beat his mother and siblings. He never knew his biological father, who abandoned him when he was a baby. He also faced racism, violence, and discrimination in his neighborhood.

Despite these hardships, Gardner had a strong sense of self-worth and ambition. He excelled in school, sports, music, and art. He also developed a curiosity for math and science, especially astronomy. He dreamed of becoming a doctor or an astronaut someday.

How did he become homeless?

His early life and career

After graduating from high school, Gardner joined the Navy as a medical corpsman. He was stationed in North Carolina, where he met Dr. Robert Ellis, a prominent cardiac surgeon who became his mentor. Dr. Ellis encouraged Gardner to pursue a career in medicine and offered him a research position at the University of California Medical Center in San Francisco.

Gardner accepted the offer and moved to San Francisco with his girlfriend Jackie and their baby son Christopher Jr. However, he soon realized that he could not afford the cost of living in the city or the tuition for medical school. He also discovered that he had a natural talent for sales and decided to switch to a more lucrative field.

His relationship and family problems

Gardner's relationship with Jackie deteriorated as they struggled to make ends meet. Jackie became pregnant with their second child, but Gardner convinced her to have an abortion. He also cheated on her with another woman, who became pregnant with his third child. Jackie left him and took Christopher Jr. with her.

Gardner tried to reconnect with his son and provide for him, but he faced many obstacles. He was arrested for unpaid parking tickets and spent 10 days in jail. He lost his car, his apartment, and his job as a medical equipment salesman. He also had to deal with the IRS, who seized his bank account for unpaid taxes.

His struggle to find a job and a place to stay

Gardner was determined to get his son back and give him a better life. He applied for a training program at Dean Witter Reynolds, a prestigious brokerage firm. He impressed the managers with his intelligence, charisma, and persistence, and was accepted as one of the 20 interns out of 1,000 applicants.

However, the internship was unpaid and highly competitive. Gardner had to work long hours, make hundreds of cold calls, and study for the licensing exam. He also had to find a way to survive on the streets with his son, who was only two years old at the time.

Gardner and his son moved from one shelter to another, sometimes sleeping in public parks, buses, or bathrooms. They also faced hunger, danger, and humiliation. Gardner tried to hide his situation from his colleagues and clients, dressing in suits and carrying briefcases. He also tried to keep his son happy and healthy, reading him stories and playing games with him.

How did he overcome his challenges?

His determination and perseverance

Gardner never gave up on his dream of becoming a successful stockbroker. He worked harder than anyone else, waking up early, staying late, and making the most of every opportunity. He also studied diligently for the exam, passing it on his first try.

Gardner also never lost hope or faith in himself. He believed that he had the potential to achieve anything he set his mind to. He also believed that he had a responsibility to take care of his son and be a good father to him. He said that his son was his motivation and inspiration.

His passion for finance and learning

Gardner loved finance and investing. He enjoyed learning about the stock market, the economy, and the business world. He also enjoyed helping people achieve their financial goals and improve their lives.

Gardner was always eager to learn new things and expand his knowledge. He read books, magazines, newspapers, and reports on various topics. He also listened to tapes, watched videos, and attended seminars and workshops. He said that he learned something from everyone he met.

His mentorship and support from others

Gardner was fortunate to have mentors and supporters who helped him along the way. Dr. Ellis was the first person who recognized his potential and gave him a chance in medicine. Bob Bridges was the man who introduced him to finance and encouraged him to apply for the internship at Dean Witter Reynolds.

Gardner also received help from other people who showed him kindness and compassion. Reverend Cecil Williams was the pastor who ran the Glide Memorial Church, where Gardner and his son found shelter and food. Chris Jr.'s daycare teacher was the woman who cared for his son while he worked. His fellow interns were the friends who supported him during the training program.

What did he achieve?

His success as a stockbroker and entrepreneur

Gardner excelled in the internship program and was offered a full-time position as a stockbroker at Dean Witter Reynolds in 1982. He quickly rose through the ranks and became one of the top performers in the company.

In 1987, he left Dean Witter Reynolds and joined Bear Stearns & Co., where he became a top earner as well. In 1989, he founded his own brokerage firm, Gardner Rich & Co., with only $10,000 in capital. He specialized in servicing institutional clients such as pension funds, unions, corporations, and foundations.

In 2006, he sold a stake in his firm to a San Francisco-based private equity firm and renamed it Gardner Rich LLC. He also expanded his business interests into other areas such as media, real estate, sports, and entertainment.

His philanthropy and social impact 71b2f0854b