Attitude is Altitude is an inspirational memoir by Nick Vujicic, a man born without arms or legs. Vujicic emphasizes the importance of having a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity, and shares his own personal experiences and insights on how to develop one. His book is a powerful reminder that we are all capable of overcoming challenges and achieving our dreams.
Attitude is Altitude Summary
Nick Vujicic is an Australian Evangelical Christian and motivational speaker. He is 26 year old (at present he is 32 years old). He is a brave person who plays football and golf, swims and surfs despite having no limbs. He was born with a rare occurrence called phocomelia, the disorder characterised by the absence of limbs. When Nick was born his father was so shocked that he left the place to vomit. His mother too was greatly worried and depressed. His parents did their best to make him independent.
Nick’s father was a computer programmer and he taught his little son how to type with his toe at just 6 years old. His mother too played her role by inventing a special plastic device which made him hold a pen and a pencil. Inspite of the risk of bullying, Nick’s parents decided to send him to mainstream school which he thought was the best decision. He thought it was a hard decision but it gave him independence.
When Nick was eight years old, he was depressed that he wanted to kill himself. He had hated God for what He had done to him. He was terrified to think of his condition when his parents were not there. Though he could brush his teeth and wash his hair, there were many impossible tasks for him. When Nick was ten, he tried to drown himself but luckily he failed in his attempt. Any how he managed to gain world-wide fame with the help of his religion, friends and family.
He became an international symbol of triumph over adversity. When Nick was 13, he was inspired by the story of a disabled man who had managed to achieve great things and help others. He decided to use his life to encourage other people and give them courage and hope. He decided to be thankful for what he has and never to get angry about what he doesn’t have.
He realised that the challenges strengthen our convictions. Once a girl at traffic lights was giving him the eye when he was in a car. But she was shocked to see him when he did a 360 degrees in his car and sped off really quickly. Although Nick had had girl-friends, he had chosen to remain a virgin until marriage. He’s waiting for the right girl to get married.
In 2008 he met Bethany Hamilton who had her arm bitten off by a shark when he went to Hawaii. Bethany Hamilton, the surfing master, taught him how to surf. He quickly learnt how to do the 360 degree spins, the feat which was not done by anyone in the history of surfing. He has got good balance as he has a very low centre of gravity.
In 1990 Nick won the Australian Young citizen of the year award for his bravery and perseverance. Nick has visited over 24 countries giving motivational speeches. Nick advises others that they should go to finish strong. He asks everyone to try again and again to achieve success. He thinks that everyone should keep on getting up when they fall. He asks them to love themselves.
Conclusion:
In the conclusion of Attitude is Altitude, Vujicic summarizes his message of hope and inspiration: we can achieve anything we set our minds to if we have a positive attitude and never give up. He shares his own personal story as an example of what is possible.