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My Adventurous Life
'I have been charmed by good fortune to be born in Australia in the 1940s. I have lived through a time of great prosperity and every day I am reminded of my good luck.'
Dick Smith is a remarkable and proud Australian. He has been part of our national consciousness for over fifty years as an innovative and astute businessman, a ground-breaking adventurer, a generous philanthropist and a provocateur for the causes he feels deeply about. Yet, despite his great successes and achievements, Dick has remained down to earth and close to his roots.
So how did the young boy who was one of the most academically hopeless in class become the national living treasure he is today? And what was it within that kid with a speech impediment that allowed him to create three successful businesses, and take on some of the world's greatest and most dangerous aviation challenges?
In My Adventurous Life, Dick shares his inspiring story and the lessons he's learned about staying true to yourself. He has welcomed the freedoms that wealth brings, but has found the simple life more fulfilling. His responsibility is to the world and the people we share it with.
8 hours and 6 minutes
Dick Smith is a remarkable and proud Australian. He has been part of our national consciousness for over fifty years as an innovative and astute businessman, a ground-breaking adventurer, a generous philanthropist and a provocateur for the causes he feels deeply about. Yet, despite his great successes and achievements, Dick has remained down to earth and close to his roots.
So how did the young boy who was one of the most academically hopeless in class become the national living treasure he is today? And what was it within that kid with a speech impediment that allowed him to create three successful businesses, and take on some of the world's greatest and most dangerous aviation challenges?
In My Adventurous Life, Dick shares his inspiring story and the lessons he's learned about staying true to yourself. He has welcomed the freedoms that wealth brings, but has found the simple life more fulfilling. His responsibility is to the world and the people we share it with.
8 hours and 6 minutes
Audible Audio
Published November 1, 2021
21 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Dick Smith
58 books8 followersDick Smith is an Australian record-breaking aviator, philanthropist, political activist and serial entrepreneur.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 30, 2021
DICK SMITH – My Adventurous Life - By Dick Smith
There are some people in the world we should aspire to be and, personally speaking, I cannot think of a finer example than the man who wrote this book. His exemplary life and achievements are those of more than one man, surely. To his “Adventurous Life” he could surely have added “And Industrious”.
Is it not enough that he created an electronics empire that became a household name? Apparently not, because he was also the first man in the world to fly around the world in a helicopter. Want more? Well, without going into his considerable charity work and the fact that he created Australian Geographic, there’s heaps more.
Seemingly a wonderful family man to boot, Dick Smith is the complete package and I think he’s wonderful because he absolutely loves the bush and believes in its conservation.
He’s also a sponge because his business and other enterprises grew successfully not only because he devoted hours to it, but he listened to those who were successful and borrowed idea after idea and also was astute enough to hire some fine people, although one or two had to give him a nudge.
I found it hard to go to sleep at night, ever wanting to read more of his amazing exploits, and I have to say that I started to feel cheated when one of his world trips, with loving wife Pip, only got one page and it was over. I realise he’s written about much of his life in other articles but, as I haven’t read them, I wanted more.
In his epilogue he emotes a plea for the world to wake up and stop growth. The continual expansion of population and its needs is a path to ultimate destruction. Sadly, greed dictates that the world will not take notice until it’s too late.
With recommendations from illustrious Australians (Sir Peter Cosgrove, Peter FitzSimons, Greg Mortimer and Paul Hogan) it gives you some idea of the people he knows and the business people who’ve helped his brilliant career would make anyone envious.
That this book will be a best seller there can be no doubt. Everything he touches turns to gold so to speak and this is no exception. I already know two people who have bought it for Xmas presents; there’ll be tens of thousands more. A rivetting read.
There are some people in the world we should aspire to be and, personally speaking, I cannot think of a finer example than the man who wrote this book. His exemplary life and achievements are those of more than one man, surely. To his “Adventurous Life” he could surely have added “And Industrious”.
Is it not enough that he created an electronics empire that became a household name? Apparently not, because he was also the first man in the world to fly around the world in a helicopter. Want more? Well, without going into his considerable charity work and the fact that he created Australian Geographic, there’s heaps more.
Seemingly a wonderful family man to boot, Dick Smith is the complete package and I think he’s wonderful because he absolutely loves the bush and believes in its conservation.
He’s also a sponge because his business and other enterprises grew successfully not only because he devoted hours to it, but he listened to those who were successful and borrowed idea after idea and also was astute enough to hire some fine people, although one or two had to give him a nudge.
I found it hard to go to sleep at night, ever wanting to read more of his amazing exploits, and I have to say that I started to feel cheated when one of his world trips, with loving wife Pip, only got one page and it was over. I realise he’s written about much of his life in other articles but, as I haven’t read them, I wanted more.
In his epilogue he emotes a plea for the world to wake up and stop growth. The continual expansion of population and its needs is a path to ultimate destruction. Sadly, greed dictates that the world will not take notice until it’s too late.
With recommendations from illustrious Australians (Sir Peter Cosgrove, Peter FitzSimons, Greg Mortimer and Paul Hogan) it gives you some idea of the people he knows and the business people who’ve helped his brilliant career would make anyone envious.
That this book will be a best seller there can be no doubt. Everything he touches turns to gold so to speak and this is no exception. I already know two people who have bought it for Xmas presents; there’ll be tens of thousands more. A rivetting read.
November 12, 2022
Dick Smith is a remarkable (1) Australian and this is a book combines the three cords of his amazing life - those of businessman/entrepreneur, adventurer and philanthropist.
The story of Dick Smith Electronics is fascinating - especially so for the sense of Dick’s talent, his vision, his motivation and instinct. There is a lot to learn, not necessarily about building a multi-million dollar business, but doing what you were put on this earth to do. His exuberant life is a combination of very hard work, an insatiable appetite to learn and the courage to follow his gut and back himself.
As for the adventures, they started early - from childhood, really. As member myself of the Scout Movement as a child, I related to Dick’s discovery of the bush and his desire to explore, preserve and promote the wonders of Australia’s natural environment. Dick’s wealth enabled him to do what I’m sure he would have done all his life anyway - just on steroids!
Aviation gave Dick the opportunity to go global in his adventures. I love that his love of helicopters meant that he travelled hundreds of hours “…flying at 500 feet to get the best view.” As I read about his remarkable (2) achievements it was clear that the numbers were secondary. He was blown away by the natural beauty of what he saw along the way.
Dick’s philosophy of wealth is fascinating. One could say, “Easy for him.” But when one chapter ends with, essentially, “We sold Australian Geographic for $41M. I didn’t start it for a profit. I thought it would lose money. Anyway, we’ve given all that money away…” - that’s utterly gobsmacking! And challenging to us all, to consider our own assets, how much we really need to live and what we should be sharing.
That’s the other element of Dick’s life - his philanthropic endeavours. He’s not a handout man, he certainly recognises need and enterprise and sees his wealth as a resource to wisely share. Even his approach to paying tax is refreshingly patriotic. “Do it. Don’t you like hospitals and roads and schools?”
As someone who has had the privilege to spend some time with Dick and Pip, I can say that they really are amazing people with an amazing story and an utterly genuine, uniquely individual approach to the opportunities life has presented to them.
So what about the book? (At last! The review bit!) It’s just an utterly readable, fascinating and enjoyable adventure story of one Australia’s most remarkable (3) characters.
Yup, when it comes to Dick Smith - especially after reading this book - I find I just can’t stop saying “remarkable”…(4)
The story of Dick Smith Electronics is fascinating - especially so for the sense of Dick’s talent, his vision, his motivation and instinct. There is a lot to learn, not necessarily about building a multi-million dollar business, but doing what you were put on this earth to do. His exuberant life is a combination of very hard work, an insatiable appetite to learn and the courage to follow his gut and back himself.
As for the adventures, they started early - from childhood, really. As member myself of the Scout Movement as a child, I related to Dick’s discovery of the bush and his desire to explore, preserve and promote the wonders of Australia’s natural environment. Dick’s wealth enabled him to do what I’m sure he would have done all his life anyway - just on steroids!
Aviation gave Dick the opportunity to go global in his adventures. I love that his love of helicopters meant that he travelled hundreds of hours “…flying at 500 feet to get the best view.” As I read about his remarkable (2) achievements it was clear that the numbers were secondary. He was blown away by the natural beauty of what he saw along the way.
Dick’s philosophy of wealth is fascinating. One could say, “Easy for him.” But when one chapter ends with, essentially, “We sold Australian Geographic for $41M. I didn’t start it for a profit. I thought it would lose money. Anyway, we’ve given all that money away…” - that’s utterly gobsmacking! And challenging to us all, to consider our own assets, how much we really need to live and what we should be sharing.
That’s the other element of Dick’s life - his philanthropic endeavours. He’s not a handout man, he certainly recognises need and enterprise and sees his wealth as a resource to wisely share. Even his approach to paying tax is refreshingly patriotic. “Do it. Don’t you like hospitals and roads and schools?”
As someone who has had the privilege to spend some time with Dick and Pip, I can say that they really are amazing people with an amazing story and an utterly genuine, uniquely individual approach to the opportunities life has presented to them.
So what about the book? (At last! The review bit!) It’s just an utterly readable, fascinating and enjoyable adventure story of one Australia’s most remarkable (3) characters.
Yup, when it comes to Dick Smith - especially after reading this book - I find I just can’t stop saying “remarkable”…(4)
December 12, 2024
Super easy read, he like himself a lot
October 29, 2022
Thanks, Vin!
February 4, 2024
Really interesting story. Went in not knowing much about Dick Smith and was intrigued. I enjoyed the story of his life, full of interesting endeavours and adventures.
I wanted it to be a bit deeper, I wanted more than just a recount. At time it felt as though it was a story of and then this and then this and then this, without getting into much of setting the scene and how he felt.
Overall a good read as it was interesting to learn about someone new.
I wanted it to be a bit deeper, I wanted more than just a recount. At time it felt as though it was a story of and then this and then this and then this, without getting into much of setting the scene and how he felt.
Overall a good read as it was interesting to learn about someone new.
June 8, 2024
Not just a business man but truly an adventurer. Dicks book takes you through his original business to world trips, new business ventures and offers insight to his values and causes that got him Australian of the year. A down to earth person willing to question the status quo. Great read
Read
June 28, 2022A Dad recommendation. Low key forced me to read it 😅
Not a bad biography but not my cup of tea in terms of genre. I’m just glad it’s over 😂
Not a bad biography but not my cup of tea in terms of genre. I’m just glad it’s over 😂
July 12, 2022
Inspiring: From the first sentence to the last image. A true Must Read. Dick Smith for President (if we ever become a republic).
November 22, 2022
Wow what an interesting read. Not just electronics but airlines, Australian geographic magazine, so many expeditions and adventures this proves that you can do anything if u put your mind too it.
February 8, 2022
Dick Smith is an Australian businessman who has lived an amazingly successful and adventurous life. To appreciate this book it would help if you are Australian and it would be even better if you were involved in some of the same activities as him (electronics, the scout movement, aviation, etc).
His story is entertaining in the beginning but after a while it becomes a dry recounting of his various exploits of which there are many. Typical examples include climbing a mountain in the middle of the ocean, starting many businesses, flying a helicopter to the north pole, chairman of aviation bodies, and so on. As many Australians will know Mr Smith is an endless self promoter and with this book he certainly continues with that tradition.
His story is entertaining in the beginning but after a while it becomes a dry recounting of his various exploits of which there are many. Typical examples include climbing a mountain in the middle of the ocean, starting many businesses, flying a helicopter to the north pole, chairman of aviation bodies, and so on. As many Australians will know Mr Smith is an endless self promoter and with this book he certainly continues with that tradition.
December 30, 2021
This is one of the most inspiring and uplifting autobiographies (or biographies) I have read. It has left me with a great sense of respect for Dick Smith. Here is a successful businessman we can all aspire to emulate.
Dick's life has everything - a man who built a huge business empire and then sold it to allow him to do something better. The narrative is strung around Dick's adventures - first to climb Ball's Pyramid, first to circumnavigate the globe by helicopter and many more - but includes his other works such as founding the Australian Geographic Society and his huge contributions to charity. Through it all shines his humility and his self deprecating sense of humour - he never takes himself too seriously. He acknowledges early in the work that a large part of his success consists of simply being born in a place and time with so much opportunity. There is no sense of privilege or entitlement. I dearly wish our politicians could learn from this.
I enjoy a good biography. This is one of the few that features someone I would love to have as a friend.
Dick's life has everything - a man who built a huge business empire and then sold it to allow him to do something better. The narrative is strung around Dick's adventures - first to climb Ball's Pyramid, first to circumnavigate the globe by helicopter and many more - but includes his other works such as founding the Australian Geographic Society and his huge contributions to charity. Through it all shines his humility and his self deprecating sense of humour - he never takes himself too seriously. He acknowledges early in the work that a large part of his success consists of simply being born in a place and time with so much opportunity. There is no sense of privilege or entitlement. I dearly wish our politicians could learn from this.
I enjoy a good biography. This is one of the few that features someone I would love to have as a friend.
August 24, 2023
What a captivating autobiography detailing Dick Smith’s adventurous life. The audiobook version was sensational, being narrated by Dick himself. It made me realise how little I knew about him. Such a wonderful, generous Australian.
June 14, 2024
Dick Smith is a remarkable and proud Australian. He is a renowned and accomplished Australian entrepreneur, aviator, and philanthropist. He was born into a humble family in 1944 in Roseville, New South Wales. He had a tough early life with a speech impediment and was recognised as one of the most academically hopeless students in the class. However, he becomes one of the national living treasures we discuss today.
Dick is not like the moguls we have seen recently rising from technology innovation or heirs from powerful conglomerates. He is like a fair dinkum with Aussie honesty, truthfulness, and authenticity. The reason he grew his enterprise successfully was not only because he devoted massive hours to it but also because he listened to those who were respective and successful. He continuously borrowed their ideas. He was astute enough to hire trustworthy and competent people. His exuberant life combines very hard work, an insatiable appetite to learn and the courage to follow his instincts to carry out.
He has achieved the following business milestones:
• Dick founded Dick Smith Electronics Holdings Limited in 1968. It was an Australian retail chain specialising in consumer electronics goods, hobbyist electronic components, and project kits. Dick and his wife owned the company until they sold 60% to Woolworths in 1980. By 2012, He had 263 stores across Australia and 62 in New Zealand, including 20 in Auckland.
• In 1986, Dick launched the bi-monthly geographical journal magazine Australian Geographic. The publication celebrated Australia’s natural wonders, wildlife, and culture. The magazine focuses mainly on stories about Australia, its extraordinary wildlife, enlightening discoveries, and stunning destinations. It celebrates the rich culture, natural wonders, and people of Australia.
• Dick founded Dick Smith Foods in 2000. This venture focused on promoting Australian-made and owned food products. Its mission was to provide Australian-owned and produced alternatives to products from foreign-owned food companies. Importantly, Dick Smith Foods did not manufacture its own food products; instead, it sourced items from other Australian-owned companies, which licensed the Dick Smith Foods brand label. All profits from Dick Smith Foods went to charitable causes.
Dick has had the following remarkable adventures in aviation and road, not counting other adventures.
• In 1982-1983, Dick Smith achieved a historic feat by completing the first solo helicopter flight around the world. He covered approximately 60,992 kilometres in his Bell Jetranger III helicopter. The journey took him through 20 countries and across both hemispheres.
• Smith’s aviation achievements extended to circumnavigating the world via the South and North Pole in 1989. These daring flights showcased his passion for exploration and pushing boundaries.
• Dick Smith achieved a landmark conquer by making the first non-stop trans-Australia flight across Australia in a hot air balloon. They departed from Carnarvon, Western Australia. Their journey covered approximately 3867 kilometres and landed at Tabulam, New South Wales. The flight lasted an impressive 40 hours and 23 minutes.
• First East-to-West helicopter flight around the world in 1994-1995.
• Dick Smith flies around the world twice in his Cessna Caravan, 1999 – 2000
• Dick and his wife Pip Smith drove around the world in an Earth Roamer four-wheel drive vehicle in 2006-2008.
Dick has flown five times around the world and across Australia and the Tasman Sea by ballon. You can find all his adventurous details on the website Adventures (dicksmithadventure.com.au)
Looking back to Dick Smith’s business days, he had a more “Live to Work” attitude in the early stage and changed to “Work to Live” after he achieved his goals. That was why Dick could sell his business in his late 30's & spend much of his time pursuing adventures, new businesses & philanthropy subsequently.
He has welcomed the freedoms that wealth brings but has found the simple life more fulfilling. He has been seemingly a wonderful family man. Dick's life has everything - a man who built a vast business empire and then sold it to allow him to do something better.
In 2015, he received the prestigious Companion of the Order of Australia award. It is the highest award in the Australian honours system. It is conferred for eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Australia or humanity.
The book is a riveting reading, with well-paced descriptions which demonstrate Dick Smith’s love for his family, the environment, his work ethic and adventures. It is utterly readable, fascinating, and a thrilling, adventurous story about one of Australia’s most remarkable characters. I have no hesitation in giving five stars to the tales of this inspiring Australian.
Dick is not like the moguls we have seen recently rising from technology innovation or heirs from powerful conglomerates. He is like a fair dinkum with Aussie honesty, truthfulness, and authenticity. The reason he grew his enterprise successfully was not only because he devoted massive hours to it but also because he listened to those who were respective and successful. He continuously borrowed their ideas. He was astute enough to hire trustworthy and competent people. His exuberant life combines very hard work, an insatiable appetite to learn and the courage to follow his instincts to carry out.
He has achieved the following business milestones:
• Dick founded Dick Smith Electronics Holdings Limited in 1968. It was an Australian retail chain specialising in consumer electronics goods, hobbyist electronic components, and project kits. Dick and his wife owned the company until they sold 60% to Woolworths in 1980. By 2012, He had 263 stores across Australia and 62 in New Zealand, including 20 in Auckland.
• In 1986, Dick launched the bi-monthly geographical journal magazine Australian Geographic. The publication celebrated Australia’s natural wonders, wildlife, and culture. The magazine focuses mainly on stories about Australia, its extraordinary wildlife, enlightening discoveries, and stunning destinations. It celebrates the rich culture, natural wonders, and people of Australia.
• Dick founded Dick Smith Foods in 2000. This venture focused on promoting Australian-made and owned food products. Its mission was to provide Australian-owned and produced alternatives to products from foreign-owned food companies. Importantly, Dick Smith Foods did not manufacture its own food products; instead, it sourced items from other Australian-owned companies, which licensed the Dick Smith Foods brand label. All profits from Dick Smith Foods went to charitable causes.
Dick has had the following remarkable adventures in aviation and road, not counting other adventures.
• In 1982-1983, Dick Smith achieved a historic feat by completing the first solo helicopter flight around the world. He covered approximately 60,992 kilometres in his Bell Jetranger III helicopter. The journey took him through 20 countries and across both hemispheres.
• Smith’s aviation achievements extended to circumnavigating the world via the South and North Pole in 1989. These daring flights showcased his passion for exploration and pushing boundaries.
• Dick Smith achieved a landmark conquer by making the first non-stop trans-Australia flight across Australia in a hot air balloon. They departed from Carnarvon, Western Australia. Their journey covered approximately 3867 kilometres and landed at Tabulam, New South Wales. The flight lasted an impressive 40 hours and 23 minutes.
• First East-to-West helicopter flight around the world in 1994-1995.
• Dick Smith flies around the world twice in his Cessna Caravan, 1999 – 2000
• Dick and his wife Pip Smith drove around the world in an Earth Roamer four-wheel drive vehicle in 2006-2008.
Dick has flown five times around the world and across Australia and the Tasman Sea by ballon. You can find all his adventurous details on the website Adventures (dicksmithadventure.com.au)
Looking back to Dick Smith’s business days, he had a more “Live to Work” attitude in the early stage and changed to “Work to Live” after he achieved his goals. That was why Dick could sell his business in his late 30's & spend much of his time pursuing adventures, new businesses & philanthropy subsequently.
He has welcomed the freedoms that wealth brings but has found the simple life more fulfilling. He has been seemingly a wonderful family man. Dick's life has everything - a man who built a vast business empire and then sold it to allow him to do something better.
In 2015, he received the prestigious Companion of the Order of Australia award. It is the highest award in the Australian honours system. It is conferred for eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Australia or humanity.
The book is a riveting reading, with well-paced descriptions which demonstrate Dick Smith’s love for his family, the environment, his work ethic and adventures. It is utterly readable, fascinating, and a thrilling, adventurous story about one of Australia’s most remarkable characters. I have no hesitation in giving five stars to the tales of this inspiring Australian.
November 5, 2025
Who knew (well I didn't!) what an amazing life Dick Smith has had! Of course his businesses and many of his high profile exploits are very well known, but this autobiography shows exactly how varied and amazing his interests and activities have been along with his incredible philanthropic activities.
Another of Dick Smith's outstanding characteristics as shown in this book, along with his need for adventure, his determination and his dedication to great causes, is his complete honesty. It would be easy to presume that someone so successful may have trodden on a few toes to get to that success, but it would seem that Smith has never taken advantage of others, has always been honest and has remained true to his firm and basic beliefs, starting from his young days in the Scouting organisation right until the present day.
Clearly, Smith has been a dedicated husband and father (despite frequently leaving his family for often life-threatening adventures!) and also the kind of boss for whom good people wanted to work, treating people fairly and equally and hence being able to meet one of his business (and life) goals: to always surround himself with the best people for the job, whatever that job may be.
It would seem that he has never been greedy, lacking the need to make more and more money for himself and donating huge amounts raised by his aviation, and other exploits, to numerous charities. He is also highly patriotic: always keen to promote Australia through his adventures, to raise the Australian flag in new places, to keep business and financial success within Australia, to keep products made in Australia wherever possible.
It is easy to see how he deserved his Australian of the Year award in 1986.
Of course, this is Dick Smith writing about himself and it could be interesting to hear the views of others, but it is hard to believe that he is anything other than what he says he is here: honest, hard working, dedicated, philanthropic and with such a sense of adventure! And, in his own words from the book, "Life, of course, is the greatest adventure of all." ****
Another of Dick Smith's outstanding characteristics as shown in this book, along with his need for adventure, his determination and his dedication to great causes, is his complete honesty. It would be easy to presume that someone so successful may have trodden on a few toes to get to that success, but it would seem that Smith has never taken advantage of others, has always been honest and has remained true to his firm and basic beliefs, starting from his young days in the Scouting organisation right until the present day.
Clearly, Smith has been a dedicated husband and father (despite frequently leaving his family for often life-threatening adventures!) and also the kind of boss for whom good people wanted to work, treating people fairly and equally and hence being able to meet one of his business (and life) goals: to always surround himself with the best people for the job, whatever that job may be.
It would seem that he has never been greedy, lacking the need to make more and more money for himself and donating huge amounts raised by his aviation, and other exploits, to numerous charities. He is also highly patriotic: always keen to promote Australia through his adventures, to raise the Australian flag in new places, to keep business and financial success within Australia, to keep products made in Australia wherever possible.
It is easy to see how he deserved his Australian of the Year award in 1986.
Of course, this is Dick Smith writing about himself and it could be interesting to hear the views of others, but it is hard to believe that he is anything other than what he says he is here: honest, hard working, dedicated, philanthropic and with such a sense of adventure! And, in his own words from the book, "Life, of course, is the greatest adventure of all." ****
December 22, 2022
Inspiring autobiography of Dick Smith. Book was more about his adventuring (climbing, helicopter flights around the world and to the north pole, plane flight from pole to pole, hot-air ballooning across Australia) than the story of Dick Smith Electronics, which he humbly attributes the success of to Ike Bain. Also started Australian Geographic magazine, became Chairman of the Civil Aviation Society, was a public advocate for a number of social causes and philanthropist.
Keys to success were: asking for advice, copying the success of others, operating efficiently and keeping costs low, using marketing wisely, surround yourself with capable people, reward your best people appropriately, be willing to give a go to someone who was bright but might not have the traditional qualifications. Was a practical man, driven by common sense, willing to go against the crowd.
Keys to success were: asking for advice, copying the success of others, operating efficiently and keeping costs low, using marketing wisely, surround yourself with capable people, reward your best people appropriately, be willing to give a go to someone who was bright but might not have the traditional qualifications. Was a practical man, driven by common sense, willing to go against the crowd.
February 23, 2023
Easy to read and some interesting insight into his life and adventures. I wanted more business and life discussions but his adventures were interesting and more substantial achievements than I thought.
I do find it interesting that someone who repeats their love for Australia, philanthropy, and the land never once mentioned aborigines. I was also surprised that his success in business came from others while he either played or focused on wild-eyed publicity stunts.
Nevertheless, as someone who enjoyed visiting his electrical shop before it became household electronics, his store and public presence have affected my life. I don't usually read autobiographies as they seem dull or drag on, but this was interestingly concise and.. well, full of adventure.
I do find it interesting that someone who repeats their love for Australia, philanthropy, and the land never once mentioned aborigines. I was also surprised that his success in business came from others while he either played or focused on wild-eyed publicity stunts.
Nevertheless, as someone who enjoyed visiting his electrical shop before it became household electronics, his store and public presence have affected my life. I don't usually read autobiographies as they seem dull or drag on, but this was interestingly concise and.. well, full of adventure.
November 23, 2021
Well this was the best book that I have listened to this year!! I would suggest that everybody should listen to this book. Read by Dick Smith it is inspiring in every way. I think that this should be set reading at school especially Australian schools. His passion for Australia, business, electronics, people, adventure, family, nature and ultimately life is exceptional. Hearing about how he became successful by making mistakes, hard work, perseverance, learning from other peoples success and his admirable appreciation for everything that he has achieved. I think kids would be inspired and given confidence to follow their dreams after listening to My Adventurous Life.
October 3, 2022
An enjoyable read. Dick has lived a successful & adventurous life. Successful as an entrepreneur Dick was able to sell his business in his late 30's & spend much of his time pursuing adventures, new businesses & philanthropy subsequently.
Dick talks about his upbringing, ups & downs in business & spends the 2nd half of the book primarily recounting his various adventures. These include flying around the globe solo in a helicopter, circumnavigating the globe via the poles in a plane & later in a car.
Overall an enjoyable read with some insight & perspective that the reader can take away & apply to their own life.
Dick talks about his upbringing, ups & downs in business & spends the 2nd half of the book primarily recounting his various adventures. These include flying around the globe solo in a helicopter, circumnavigating the globe via the poles in a plane & later in a car.
Overall an enjoyable read with some insight & perspective that the reader can take away & apply to their own life.
March 11, 2025
Dick Smith’s My Adventurous Life is a very fast paced, honest and inspiring memoir. From founding Dick Smith Electronics to circumnavigating the globe solo in a helicopter and other adventures, Smith’s life story is amazing.
His business insights are sharp, his adventures thrilling, and his advocacy very thought provoking. The writing is direct, engaging, and filled with humor, making it a compelling read for entrepreneurs, aviation buffs, and anyone who loves a good adventure.
Well worth a read for all walks of life.
His business insights are sharp, his adventures thrilling, and his advocacy very thought provoking. The writing is direct, engaging, and filled with humor, making it a compelling read for entrepreneurs, aviation buffs, and anyone who loves a good adventure.
Well worth a read for all walks of life.
February 6, 2022
Really enjoyed this book. He's a fantastic Australian and has done so much for Australia across so many fields. The last chapter was wonderfully written and has inspired me to do more and consume less. I had no idea how humble Dick Smith is. Well done Mr Smith! Only reason for the 4 stars and not 5 is because I would have like to read more about your rock climbing (one of my sports too). Your autobiography is one of the best I've read in a long time.
September 18, 2022
A truly remarkable man. Dick Smith was a name I've known since the day I was born but I had no idea just how much he had achieved and contributed to Australia. He was so much more than a highly successful businessman. I certainly wasn't aware of the extant of all of his Adventures. He sets a fine example, especially with his admiral honesty, willingness to learn, bravery to achieve his goals against all odds and to go where no man had previously been and the courage to ask for help or advice.
November 19, 2022
My Adventurous Life was well-paced, clearly showing Dick Smith’s love for his family and our environment, his work ethic and his love of adventure. It is easy to see why he’s a high-profile man we’re proud to cheer on - his values are wonderful and he regularly acts to help make Australia a better place!
5+ stars for his commitment and care. 4 stars for the book as he’s done so much that were a few sections of the book that I wanted greater detail about his businesses and adventures.
5+ stars for his commitment and care. 4 stars for the book as he’s done so much that were a few sections of the book that I wanted greater detail about his businesses and adventures.
January 2, 2024
Fascinating account of his life as a child until he achieved great success & fulfilled most of his dreams exploring this wonderful planet & all the diversity & wonder within. The rest of us just exist & do some reading & exploring & get by & even give something back to our country & planet
Sick has done a lot& I suspect he will still be going for years yet
Well played Dick!
Sick has done a lot& I suspect he will still be going for years yet
Well played Dick!
January 29, 2026
Reading this made me feel like a total loser. Everything Dick touched turned to gold, everything I touch turns very bad. I'm like the inverse Dick Smith. I liked the details he goes into, and it seemed a pretty honest account all up. He really has lived an amazing life, one can only wonder what that would be like. Oh well, we can't all be Dick Smith!
March 17, 2022
Inspiring
I’ve read a few biographies of entrepreneurs recently. This is my favourite as he knew when enough was enough. He got out and devoted his life to family, adventures and various causes.
I’ve read a few biographies of entrepreneurs recently. This is my favourite as he knew when enough was enough. He got out and devoted his life to family, adventures and various causes.
April 4, 2022
Dick Smith is one of the greatest people of my lifetime. To listen to him tell his story was fantastic and l felt like he was talking to me. I felt privileged to have listened to his story. I fully recommend his book. Thanks Dick.
April 13, 2023
DNF audiobook self narrated. A story about how his humble beginnings transformed him to be a multi-millionaire. He mentions rules to follow for success. A fair few mentions to specific time and place which detract from a generalised audience.
January 24, 2024
Before this biography, I only knew Dick Smith from his stores. The book captures his adventurous spirit and resilience. Listening to the audiobook, narrated by Smith himself, offered great storytelling and genuine insight, revealing a fascinating side of him beyond the business world.
October 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this audiobook. The one thing that bothered me is that he talks about the guy that loaned him the money for his first business many times at the beginning of the book, but then after the loan he drops off the map. Thus a 4 star for me instead of 5.
December 5, 2021
An inspiring book from a true blue Aussie legend.
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