Asher Sisneros

Often, people will casually say, “I’d like to write a novel,” but never begin the book. This predicament is common. Frequently, they’ll give up before writing the first word. It’s understandable; life is like a hurricane. Unpredictable things happen, and finding the time to write a book is a lot to ask of most people. Similar to a novel, the desire to write an autobiography is rarely acted on. For this essay, I will list the benefits of writing an autobiography. I’ll lay out why I’m determined to write an autobiography and why I think everyone should. That is the topic of this essay. 

The first reason is for personal history and descendants. Unless someone becomes a major historical icon, the memory of their existence would die after four generations. That’s a sad and humbling fact. Even if they were fortunate enough to meet their great-grandchildren, it’s doubtful those great-grandchildren will have a clear idea of who they were. After we die, we are just memories. Children and friends may retain memories of that person. Their great-grandchildren may know their names, but after that, they’re nothing. Four generations later, their memory is completely forgotten. However, if they wrote an autobiography, their descendants and friends would have something to reference. They’ll know who their great-grandfather or great-grandmother was. One could argue that it’s vanity to strive to be remembered. I am not arguing that you do something world-shaking like Nero, Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, or Hitler. Neither am I arguing that you should set up a pillar for yourself that will outlast civilization. I’m arguing in favor of history. People should write an autobiography for the sake of their descendants. So that they can know their own history.

Secondly, they’re also writing it for themselves. An autobiography forces the writer to compile all their memories in a cohesive way that makes sense to the reader. It forces them to evaluate the critical turning points in their life that shaped them into who they are. It’s also a beautiful way for them to look back and see how their thoughts have changed. To write an autobiography, they must organize their life on paper. The writer must determine the causation and effect of every decision in their life. To me, that challenge seems wonderful. 

In some cases, the stories of real people can be more fascinating than fictional stories. I reject anyone’s “defense” that their life is boring. Everyone has a couple of good stories. Whether they’re funny or jaw-dropping, everyone has some stories. The other thing to consider is comedic writing can often pardon mediocre stories. A great story is identified by how the storyteller tells the story. Humor is a good way of elevating your storytelling. However, if it’s not your style, that’s fine too. My point is that good writing can turn a “boring” story into something fascinating. 

In conclusion, everyone should write an autobiography. (1) So their descendants know their history. (2) So, they can evaluate their life. (3) So their story is told. And there’s no excuse. Everyone can and should write an autobiography. What is an autobiography? It’s the story of your life told by you. Everyone can tell their story. The world is thirsty for stories of real people. Our nation is becoming saturated with fantasies. Social media has produced a soft generation that shuns work and glorifies the impossible lifestyle. Show me a story about the “boring” working man and how he provides for his family. When I pick up a book, I want to read about America’s grit. That’s why I believe everyone should write an autobiography.