Over the last few months, we have been treated to a spectacle of senior leaders, bureaucrats and aides to senior politicians writing books or memoirs. Memoirs and books written by such leaders serve the following purposes. Writing memoirs and books has six important points. First are the personal perspectives that educate people around us, because of the ability of such leaders to interact with people from diverse backgrounds from whom immense knowledge is obtained. Reading memoirs educates and enables us to see possibilities in all situations since the author dedicate their books to showing how things could be done better or providing other insights.
Secondly, memoirs provide inspiration because of the maxim that shared experiences are powerful motivators. The books may highlight many issues that could have been persevered and finally victory or high rewards were realized at the end, which motivates others to go through the processes or stations in their lives. Thirdly, memoirs and books by such leaders provides insights into other ways of life. Memoirs written by people outside one’s culture or background is a way of opening such cultures and background for all readers to read, internalize and connect with those distant cultures and backgrounds. Reading memoirs thus opens the doors for others to see and connect with authors on their believes, ideologies, and other facets of their lives. This means that we can be able to see others as if not far removed from us. This opens the possibility of building bridges of understanding, inclusion and empathy, which are needed for the modern societies and countries to remain cohesive and dedicated to greater ideals. Fourthly, we learn the mistakes from others through reading memoirs. This is because the journey of life exposes people to make mistakes. Reading memoirs of persons who have travelled the same path helps the readers to avoid mistakes highlighted in such books.
Memoirs provide alternatives and cautionary tales for the readers. Fifth, memoirs give power to the powerless. Memoirs can be written by all persons regardless of the socio-economic status, including the disaffected, homeless and oppressed, which gives them power that they don’t have. Through the memoirs, the author can expose things hitherto unknown which stirs action by stakeholders. Sixth, memoirs are important for catharsis (providing cleansing abilities from trauma and other changes in life) and personal history. Memoirs can help authors clarify their positions and thoughts Dr. Mutegi Giti, Urban management, Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) & Environment Specialist. mutegigiti@gmail.com, @DanielGiti.
Dr. Daniel Mutegi Giti 