CHRIS GARDNER 'The REAL' Pursuit of Happyness PART 1/2

Summary

Chris Gardner's journey from homelessness to becoming a millionaire is a true rags-to-riches story. Once living in a public bathroom with his son, Gardner's life changed when he joined a stockbroker training program. His determination saw him through hardships, including time in jail and the departure of his wife. Gardner's story, which began with a chance encounter with a Ferrari driver, is now a Hollywood movie and a book, 'The Pursuit of Happyness,' symbolizing his resilience and pursuit of a better life for himself and his son.

Takeaways

• 🎬 Chris Gardner's life story has been adapted into a Hollywood movie featuring Will Smith.
• 🚀 Gardner's journey from homelessness to becoming a millionaire inspired the movie 'The Pursuit of Happyness'.
• 👨‍👦 Gardner faced extreme hardships, including living in public bathrooms with his young son.
• 💼 He turned his life around by entering a stockbroker training program and excelling in the field.
• 💡 Gardner's success was sparked by a chance encounter with a wealthy stockbroker in a red Ferrari.
• 🏡 He faced eviction and jail time, which further complicated his path to financial stability.
• 🤝 Despite his struggles, Gardner was determined to provide for his son and not repeat his stepfather's abusive behavior.
• 📚 Gardner's love for reading and education played a significant role in his determination to succeed.
• 💔 His childhood was marked by trauma, including being raped and witnessing domestic violence.
• 🌟 The movie and book titles 'The Pursuit of Happyness' deliberately misspell 'happiness' to reflect a message of personal growth.
• 💼 Gardner's story serves as an example of resilience and the power of determination in overcoming adversity.

Q & A

Who is the main character in the story?

The main character in the story is Chris Gardner.

What significant event led to Chris Gardner's transformation from homelessness to wealth?

Chris Gardner's transformation began when he met a stockbroker who was making $80,000 a month, which motivated him to apply for a brokerage trainee position.

What was Chris Gardner's initial occupation before he became a stockbroker?

Before becoming a stockbroker, Chris Gardner was a medical supply salesman in the San Francisco area.

Why did Chris Gardner and his son sometimes stay in a public bathroom?

Chris Gardner and his son stayed in a public bathroom because they were homeless and chose to spend their limited money on food rather than a hotel.

What was the unusual job proposal Chris Gardner received after his story was broadcast on 20/20?

The unusual job proposal was for a reality show where homeless people would be given jobs, and the one who does the most with their life would win a $300,000 house and $100,000 in cash.

How did Chris Gardner respond to the reality show proposal?

Chris Gardner rejected the proposal, stating that being homeless is not a game and if it were, he had already won.

What is the title of the movie and book based on Chris Gardner's life story?

The title of both the movie and the book is 'The Pursuit of Happyness,' with the word 'happiness' deliberately misspelled.

What was Chris Gardner's childhood like, and how did it influence his decisions later in life?

Chris Gardner's childhood was marked by poverty, his mother's imprisonment, and abuse from his stepfather. These experiences influenced him to make decisions to be the opposite of his stepfather, such as not drinking, not beating women, and valuing education.

What traumatic event from Chris Gardner's childhood is mentioned in the script?

A traumatic event from Chris Gardner's childhood was being raped by a man who was a member of a gang of thieves in his neighborhood.

How did Chris Gardner's encounter with the 'ladies of the evening' impact his and his son's survival during their homeless period?

The 'ladies of the evening' provided financial assistance by giving Chris Gardner five-dollar bills, which helped him feed his son during times when he could not afford to.

What was Chris Gardner's motivation for not abandoning his child despite his difficult circumstances?

Chris Gardner was motivated by his own childhood experiences of not knowing his father and the constant reminder from his stepfather that he was not his father. He made a decision to always be present in his children's lives, ensuring they knew who their father was.