Gloria Steinem’s work and passion for the advocacy of intersectional feminism is not a product of a college degree or a job; it is a nature of her world outlook largely catalyzed by her unconventional upbringing. My Life on the Road is an autobiography of Steinem’s life lessons from childhood to present, accented with hilarity, obstacles, loss, and revelations.

 

My biggest takeaways from this book were two rather small concepts: Gloria’s taking circles paired with her reluctant acquiescence to public speaking. Talking circles is her term for inclusive advocacy born from sitting with people to truly understand what they need rather than championing from an outsider’s interpretation of what might help. The concept of idea sharing in a circle evokes egalitarian respect, eye-to-eye communication, transparency, representation, and unity.

 

The fact that Gloria was and still is unenthused by public speaking struck a personal cord with me. I am not called to public speaking nor do I wish for it, but the fact that Gloria rose the occasion again and again showcases, to me, that she is a woman on a mission to do rather than to be. I interpret that as humility, determination, and a giving of self in order to achieve for all.