The Autobiography of John Stuart Mill begins with the story of his father whose large family needed his energy and guidance. John carefully lays out his step-by-step method of study as he learned Greek, Latin, and Arithmetic. He married in 1851 to a woman whom he considered to be his greatest source of happiness and personal development. Unfortunately, she died after 7 and half years, and he mourned deeply and quietly until he was promoted to chief of the office. He tells about his life when the rough times came that because of patience he would be able to wait them out and find more purposeful activity.