People Archives

Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! (Book Overview)

How was Richard Feynman a nuisance at philosophy lectures? How did the atomic bomb change his life? How did he react to winning the Nobel Prize? Richard Feynman’s scientific discoveries were merely one result of his lifelong love of learning, his spirit of adventure, and his determination to live life to its fullest. His memoir demonstrates his drive to solve puzzles, his joy at new discoveries, and his sense of inquisitive delight. Here’s our overview of Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!

Nelson Mandela’s Childhood: The Early Life of a “Troublemaker”

How did Nelson Mandela’s birth name set the stage for his extraordinary life? How did he get the name “Nelson”? Long Walk to Freedom chronicles Nelson Mandela’s extraordinary life story, as told by the man himself. Mandela is known as one of history’s great peacemakers, but his own life wasn’t a peaceful one. Even his birth name reflects this. Continue reading to learn about Nelson Mandela’s childhood based on what he wrote in his autobiography.

5 Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! Quotes to Delight You

What kind of freedom does Richard Feynman advocate in particular? What’s his opinion about rote learning? Why did he want to learn to draw? Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! doesn’t take the form of a traditional autobiography. It’s a collection of Richard Feynman’s personal stories that give us a good look into the life of this extraordinary scientist and human being. Keep reading to see several Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! quotes, along with context and explanation.

Nelson Mandela and Apartheid: The Battle of a Lifetime

What was apartheid? How did it impact people’s lives? When and how was it defeated? Long Walk to Freedom chronicles Nelson Mandela’s decades-long fight against the evil policy of apartheid in South Africa. He discusses the background of apartheid, the rise of policy, his efforts during his imprisonment, and the ultimate defeat of apartheid. Read more to learn the history of Nelson Mandela and apartheid.

Nelson Mandela’s Educational Background: Tenacity 101

What was Nelson Mandela’s educational background? Why did it take him so long to complete his education? Nelson Mandela’s formal education was over 40 years in the making. When he was a young Black man in segregated South Africa, he enjoyed the rare opportunity to attend university and law school. However, his journey got derailed a couple of times. Keep reading to learn about Nelson Mandela’s educational background.

Why Did Nelson Mandela Join the African National Congress?

Why did Nelson Mandela join the African National Congress? Why did he later help create the ANC Youth League? Nelson Mandela’s struggle against a culture of oppression and apartheid wasn’t just about securing legal rights for Blacks but also about fostering national and racial pride. That led him to join the ranks of the African National Congress (ANC) in the early 1940s. Continue reading to learn his motivations to join the ANC and his early efforts within the party.

Robben Island: Mandela’s First 18 Years in Prison

What was prison like for Nelson Mandela? Why didn’t he try to escape? Nelson Mandela spent a total of 27 years in three prisons. He endured the worst 18 of those years, from 1964 to 1982, in Robben Island Prison. He writes about the experience in his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. Read more to learn about Robben Island, Mandela’s first prison.

The Arrest of Nelson Mandela: The Freedom Fight Escalates

Why was Nelson Mandela arrested? Why didn’t he receive the death penalty? At first, Nelson Mandela wanted to fight apartheid peacefully. Nonviolent efforts went nowhere, so he created a guerilla group that shook things up. This ultimately led to his arrest in 1962. Continue reading to learn about the arrest of Nelson Mandela.

Who Is Bryan Stevenson? A Hero to Death Row Inmates

Who is Bryan Stevenson? How does Stevenson help death row inmates? Stevenson’s book Just Mercy details his life work as a lawyer and social justice activist who helps death row inmates who could be redeemed. He shares how his legal background showed him the unfairness of the justice system and the need for merciful treatment of the accused. Keep reading for more on Stevenson’s work as a lawyer who exposes the corrupt justice system.

Victor Verster Prison: Where Mandela Felt Deceptively “Free”

How was Victor Verster Prison better than the first two prisons where Mandela was held? When and why was he released? Nelson Mandela spent a total of 27 years in three prisons, enduring harsh conditions but never giving up the fight for racial equality and freedom. In his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, Mandela writes about the last of those prisons: Victor Verster. Continue reading to learn about Mandela’s time at Victor Verster Prison and his eventual release.