What are the top 10 life lessons to be learnt from the movie “The Godfather”?
The Godfather is not considered to be a classic just because of its direction, caste, story etc. It reflects upon several life lessons worth to be imbibed in your real life. Here are a few I would like to outline. I will write the dialogues as they were recited in the movie.
P.S.: These lessons are taken from the entire Godfather series comprising of 3 films.
- “Fredo, you’re my older brother and I love you. But don’t ever take sides with anyone against the family again! Ever!”
The one recurring theme that the movie stresses on is the family bond! Family is more than anything. It is the most important part of one’s life. Make time for your family. Support them, Protect them, Love them!
- “My father taught me many things… the most important thing he told me was- Keep your Friends close and your Enemies closer!”
A person should never think of his enemies to be foolish or stupid. He should maintain close contact with them so as to anticipate their moves and act accordingly.
- “Good health is the most important thing. More than success, more than money, more than power.”
Just because you should always be planning for the future doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take care of yourself in the present. Be good to yourself: eat well, exercise, and try to live forever.
- “Yet, he thought, if I can die saying, ‘Life is so beautiful,’ then nothing else is important. If I can believe in myself that much, nothing else matters.”
Wealth and possessions aren’t the measure of a man’s life. Never miss an opportunity to pass on the wisdom of your life’s journey so the people you leave behind may experience the same joy.
- “A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.”
It’s your duty to be there for your family, regardless of the circumstances. This will help protect them while you’re alive, and leave a meaningful legacy after you’re gone.
- “The richest man is the one with the most powerful friends.”
Choose your friends wisely. The meaning of powerful friends here does not mean real power in terms of money and fame. Loyalty is the most treasured characteristic of friendship and loyal friends make you 10 times richer than millions of dollars in your bank account!
- “Friendship is everything. Friendship is more than talent. It is more than the government. It is almost the equal of family.”
Friendship is the second most important thing after Family. As Don Corleone asserts to Bonasera in the beginning of the movie, “If you build a wall of friends around you, you and your family would be safe. If you make enemies, they will become my enemies; and then they will fear you!”
- “Never hate your enemies – it affects your judgment.”
Never show hatred towards your enemies. It makes you too vulnerable and predictable. Be secretive. Never let your enemies know what you are thinking. If you hate them, all the decisions you take against them will be with that emotion of hatred which is paralyzing for the business!
- “A lawyer with a briefcase can steal more money than men with guns.”
How much ever the luxurious life of a Don will intimidate you. With all that power, money and fame! But the truth is that more money and genuine respect is earned by men with white-collar jobs!
- “A friend should always underestimate your virtues and an enemy overestimate your faults”
Never reveal your true self to anyone. Don’t be too vulnerable. This makes you an eay target. Be mysterious. Let people take interest in you, rather than trying to generate interest among others for yourself.
And I had saved the best one and the most popular one for the end.
“I will make him an offer he can’t refuse!”
Always be precise and clear about what you want out of a deal. Always be aware of your goals and know your way through. Make such an offer that it results either in a win-win situation or atleast it does not prove detrimental to your or your family’s interests!
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