My Life and Work

My Life and Work (1922) is the autobiography of Henry Ford, one of the most influential industrialists of the 20th century, co-written with journalist Samuel Crowther. More than just the life story of the man behind the Ford Motor Company, the book is both a personal memoir and a manifesto of his business philosophy, technological vision, and social ideals.

In straightforward, pragmatic language, Ford recounts his early life on a Michigan farm, his fascination with mechanics, and the experiments that led to the creation of the first affordable automobile. He details the struggles and triumphs of founding the Ford Motor Company, including the innovations that revolutionized modern industry—most notably the development of the moving assembly line, which dramatically lowered production costs and made cars accessible to the average American.

But the book is more than a history of Ford’s machines; it is a blueprint for his philosophy of work, efficiency, and progress. Ford emphasizes his belief in service over profit, advocating that businesses exist to serve the people by producing useful goods at low costs while providing fair wages to workers. He famously defended his decision to implement the five-dollar, eight-hour workday, a radical move at the time that not only improved the lives of his employees but also strengthened the company by reducing turnover and creating a loyal workforce.

Throughout the narrative, Ford discusses his views on mass production, labor relations, wealth, education, and rural development. He criticizes wastefulness, speculation, and idleness, promoting instead the values of hard work, thrift, innovation, and social responsibility. His insights reveal not only the mind of a brilliant entrepreneur but also the cultural and economic forces that shaped America during the early 20th century.

My Life and Work is both a historical document and a timeless business classic. It remains a compelling read for entrepreneurs, managers, engineers, and anyone interested in the origins of modern industry. Beyond its industrial significance, the book paints a portrait of a man driven by a vision to “democratize” technology and reshape society through innovation and determination.