What Life has Taught Me? The Making of a Leader: A Republication of the Autobiography of Dr. Siaka Probyn Stevens

This is Part II of the republication of “What Life Has Taught Me”. In Part II we visit his childhood, upbringing and education. This work ends with the chapter, “A Study Period at Oxford and London”. We have added the Epilogue, which is also found in Part I. The original texts have been reproduced entirely without any changes. We have added extensive footnotes and endnotes where appropriate. We have also added private and official pictures of Dr. Siaka P. Stevens.What can we therefore learn from his childhood and family life that would give us insights and lessons for upcoming leaders? The republication of this second part of his autobiography is done with this in mind. For as we know, Stevens was not born into a “ruling “family or privilege. He was a self-made man, who largely educated himself and rose to lead his people. Stevens describe his childhood with pride, something we should note. Stevens does not attempt to paint himself in a different light. He describes with pride his modest upbringing, unpretentiousness and appreciation for the simple things of life.Sierra Leone has changed significantly since Siaka Stevens wrote his autobiography. Traditional values have been challenged by globalization. Technology has penetrated our cities, towns and even villages.Yet these chapters offer us insights into the values that we ought to embrace. My grandfather emphasized throughout the chapters the need for a community spirit and approach to living together and solving our problems. Dr. Stevens discusses in detail elitism and alerts us to the dangers posed by “people who feel they have a right” to govern. We get an insight into the damaging effects of colonialism.One of the refreshing aspects of this autobiography is that Siaka Stevens does not paint himself as an heroic figure. While delighted about his success and proud of his achievements, he also talks about mistakes, errors in judgment, and weaknesses. His comments on the colonial period and nationalist responses demonstrate an openness that clarifies and instructs.