A biography of Les Brown, the motivational speaker

Les Brown is a motivational speaker and author, whose message of high-energy, overriding positivity finds best expression in his urging people to "step into their greatness" and live their dream. A charismatic speaker, Brown often focuses on helping young people improve their prospects in life. He has written several books and has also hosted a television talk show.

Life

Early years
Leslie C Brown was born into humble surroundings in 1945 in Miami, Florida, where he was adopted at the age of six months old by Mamie Brown, a 38-year-old cook and cleaner. Brown still claims that: "All that I am and all that I ever hoped to be, I owe to my mother." Brown claims that he was labeled "educably mentally retarded" whilst at school, something which saw him placed back a year twice, in the fifth grade and the eighth grade. He admits that this experience and the stigma of being labeled as 'dumb' greatly affected his self-esteem.
Later years
Brown's life changed when he moved to Detroit and rented office space with an attorney. He was forced to sleep on the floor of the office, but claims that the deprivation drove him on to success. He entered into the public speaking arena in 1986, forming Les Brown Enterprises , Inc. His speaking has won him numerous awards, including one that he won in 1992 when he was selected as one of the year's Top Five Outstanding Speakers by members of Toastmasters International.

Famous Les Brown Quotes

Brown's philosophy is one of massive positivity and optimism, urging everyone to unlock their potential and overcome hardship to achieve success. Some famous Les Brown quotes -On luck:
"Just because Fate doesn't deal you the right cards, it doesn't mean you should give up. It just means you have to play the cards you get to their maximum potential." -On responsibility:
"If you take responsibility for yourself you will develop a hunger to accomplish your dreams." -On self-perception:
"Other people's opinion of you does not have to become your reality." -On target-setting:
"Life takes on meaning when you become motivated, set goals and charge after them in an unstoppable manner." -On motivation:
"Wanting something is not enough. You must hunger for it. Your motivation must be absolutely compelling in order to overcome the obstacles that will invariably come your way."