Malcolm X and Sherman Alexie each had different and yet similar barriers and limitations that could have prevented them from moving ahead in their lives. Yet, Malcom X and Sherman Alexie did not let those barriers and limitations stop them. They were able to break free, break through, and forge ahead. One shared commonality, which moved them forward is that reading and education opened their worlds. But equally and very important in their break through were their habits of mind, their behaviors and attitudes toward learning. Consider Sherman Alexie’s and Malcolm X’s barriers and limitations. Consider who they were, where they came from, where they went. Consider their education. Consider the habits of mind. Consider who you are. Consider your own barriers and limitations. Consider your own education. Consider the habits of mindmindfulness