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Money and Life Lessons I Learned from Disney’s film National Treasure

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An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. – Benjamin Franklin

It has been so long that I had almost forgotten this gem of a film released by Disney in 2004 called National Treasure starring Nicolas Cage. He plays a historian, Benjamin Franklin Gates, on the hunt for a fabled national treasure hidden in America that was told as a secret to one of his ancestors in 1832 by Charles Carroll.  The secret was the first clue (the secret lies with Charlotte) to the treasure and this is where the story begins.

After finding the first clue, it then leads to another, this time it’s to an invisible map the Declaration of Independence, which was signed on July 4, 1776. And here begins the adventure and the life lessons.

GET A GOOD EDUCATION

After hearing the secret of the treasure from his grandfather, Gates goes on to become an expert in history as he recites historical facts, data, and events in American history with ease throughout the film. It was also at one point stated that he had various degrees from top colleges such as Georgetown and Brown University.

His educational and historical prowess is evident during the film to be quite extensive. This makes him very important to those who want the knowledge he has. His education and skills also helps him get out of all types of jams and sticky situations in the film. His expertise in literature, culture, science and history also drives the movie forward as he informs the audience of how he plans his next move why and with what tools he needs to succeed. His street smarts and brains are what keeps him alive. I learned from this that the value of a good education is priceless.

SHARE RESOURCES AND KNOWLEDGE

Gates is constantly figuring out his next move and is usually one step ahead of everyone else. However, he always shares what he knows. This allows people to put faith and trust in him, which was necessary for his success.

At one point in the film, he does not know something, but his comrade does (Justin Bartha). This enables them to keep moving toward their goal. Therefore, it goes to show that knowing is not enough, but you must also apply and at times ask for help. Shared knowledge brings more gains that keeping it to yourself.

CARE FOR OTHERS

Throughout the film, he makes sure to ask the woman (Diane Kruger) he is with if she is hurt or hungry. He tells people to be careful and to watch their step. He does all he can to keep his father out of trouble or in any harm’s way. He also shows great respect and that he cares for the people around him. They, in turn, watch out for and care for him.

Gates kept good people and characters around him. He surrounded himself with capable people. If you ever saw the film The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, there is a scene when Han says he needs good people and character around him. He also said you make decisions and you don’t look back. Words of wisdom to live by. It’s gems like that people need to hear.

A LITTLE COMMON SENSE GOES A LONG WAY

In the film, while they are on their way from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, Gates says they need to buy new clothes to look less conspicuous. His companions agree, but one states they have no money. He then tells them that he has taken a book off his father’s shelf called Common Sense, which was written by Thomas Paine during the Revolutionary War in 1776. Paine is also famous for writing the American Crisis and this sentence: THESE are the times that try men’s souls.

Inside the book, there is money. Gates says his father usually tucks away a small stash of hundreds in there. Bravo, how very smart of his father. They say hide it in the books, as that is the last place most people will look, if you are trying to keep something hidden.

I learned here that even small amounts of money can you help out, if you are in a pinch. And remember cash is king. People can turn you down for credit, but people welcome cash with open arms.  In one scene, a sales girl was hesitant to give back a hundred dollar bill he paid the clothes with, but conceded when he offered something of value in exchange. And he just wanted to borrow it to look at the back of the bill! Do not ever downplay the power of cold, hard cash.

THE STATUS QUO

Later in the film, Gates is in a bind. The bad guys (Sean Bean) find him and use his friends and leverage to do their bidding. He is reminded that their usefulness exists in keeping the status quo. One the bad guys get what they need, then they are no longer useful. Therefore, they do all they can to keep the state of affairs ever in their favor. Much like the motto of The Hunger Games: May the odds be ever in your favour. This film starred Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen.  And the motto was said repeatedly by Effie Trinket (played by Elizabeth Banks). Trust me, you will need them to be as no one wants the odds stacked against them.

If you can, your goal is to always have a strategic plan to win. One of the greatest military leaders of all time, Napoleon Bonaparte, was well aware of battle strategy. During his time, he dethroned the king and queen (Marie Antoinette) of France during the French Revolution. His goal was to be emperor himself. However, short of funds he decided to sell the French controlled territory in America, known as the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.  Although, the United States could have said no, they decided to get the funds together in order to double the size of the country. The U.S. paid $15 million dollars and would go on to eventually have enough territories to create seven, and later, 15 states. I learned when opportunity knocks, answer the door.

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS

At various times within the film, he assesses the situation and surroundings to get out of numerous scrapes. Every time he was in some sort of trouble or missing a piece of the puzzle, he with the help of his companions figured a way out or an answer to a clue. Paying attention to your surroundings and telling the truth can help keep you safe. For example,

  • He knew that a ship was buried in the artic based on climate change and where to look for it
  • Saw that a barrel was being safeguarded by a deceased ship captain
  • Solved various riddles and clues throughout the film
  • Was aware of a smuggling cargo hold in an old ship
  • Noticed an incomplete coin collection in the office of a would be ally and used this information to get on this person’s good side and lower her defenses
  • Saw an opportunity to get access to the Declaration due to a 70th anniversary party advertised at the Smithsonian
  • Bought a duplicate Declaration just in case of any trouble as a way to safety precaution
  • Knew to watch for signs of activity from afar and to then park blocks away from his father’s house for fear of being followed
  • Bought new clothes to appear less conspicuous
  • Separated the map (lock) from the glasses (key)
  • When in federal custody he told the truth and received goodwill treatment
  • Recovered items that were clues and kept them in his possession (which would come in handy later)
  • Avoided danger at all costs
  • Delegating tasks such as asking a young boy to access the Silence Dogood letters written by Benjamin Franklin to avoid detection from the FBI
  • Always left little to no trace of his existence when plotting schemes such as putting the brick back where he found it
  • Did not knowingly try to put anyone in harm’s way and avoided loss of life
  • Knowing that when spelunking in caves that the explorers would create second opening in case of cave ins or other danger as a means of escape
  • Recognizing that using the clue piece was how to open a secret door (the secret lies with Charlotte, literally)

ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN

When the bad guys need more help as their knowledge is not as vast as Gates, they then turn to him for assistance. This kept the ball in Gates court and the status quo on his side because he knew things they didn’t know. Once it was evident that he was the one in control, he exploited this opportunity and used it to his advantage to win. I learned that in life you need to acquire knowledge and skills, keep learning, apply what you know, be useful, and always have a goal or plan for success.

FORGIVENESS

Once they are abandoned and left by the henchmen, they then look for a way out. Thinking it is the route to the treasure. When it is not, they are thoroughly disappointed. Gates, very thoughtfully, apologizes to this friends. They forgive him.

This reminded me of an old saying I heard: To err is human, to forgive is divine. This saying is from “An Essay on Criticism,” Part II, 1711 by English poet Alexander Pope.

GIVE IT TO THE PEOPLE

It is not enough to have abundance, if there is no one to share it with. Too much should not be held by one person. The founding fathers believed the same thing about government: Give it to the people.

When Gates had the opportunity to give, he did so. He decided to give the wealth he had from the knowledge he had gained to the people. Therefore, there is no common good to be had by being miserly, stingy, or hoarding. Give what you have and give freely without looking for anything in return. Earn what is yours, keep what you need, and then give the rest away.

WHAT IS LIFE WITHOUT A LITTLE WHIMSY

You will notice in the film certain times when they are playful or funny. Although, they were in serious situations, they still made time to laugh now and then. One of my favorite scenes is when he covertly and illegally goes into the room for the Declaration and once he walks in, points to the camera as his friend looks on. This was funny because it signaled to his friend that his plan could be done and that as serious as things were he could still keep it lighthearted. Sometimes, in life you just have to smile or laugh at yourself.

It’s like Sheldon Cooper said, on The Big Bang Theory, after he decided to to drink hot chocolate in months with an R in them: “What’s life without a little whimsy.” Indeed. Not very much fun.

HARD WORK = REWARD$

By the end of the film, Gates turns down a 10% finder’s fee. Instead, he requests only a 1% fee for his services. His friend is upset by this. However, you will see what that 1% has gotten them.

Although, it took him 30 years, he was able to reap the benefits and rewards for all of his acquired knowledge and hard work. He also garnered the respect of his peers, family, friends, and colleagues.

From this I learned that nothing can replace hard work. You have to give it everything you have because success takes no less than everything you’ve got. You must believe in yourself, even when nobody else does. Prove people wrong. Work for what you want. Do the right thing as it is its own reward. However, that reward may take years. But do not give up. The journey is more satisfying than winning.

Fictional characters Cartoons and Money, Film Reviews

Life Lessons from Race for your life Charlie Brown

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Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It is already tomorrow in Australia. – Charles M. Schultz

I know that many people around the world know the infamous Peanuts gang and of course the lead character, Charlie Brown. The Peanuts were an American comic strip created by Charles M. Schulz in the 1950’s. Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown! This is the title of one of many in a film series based off his comics. The film was released in 1977 and still has relevance today. The Peanuts not only have incredible satirical wit and humor, but are just great stories from the heart filled with stories of a young boy and his dog.

Charlie Brown may be good for a laugh, but also for learning life lessons. I have always enjoyed Charlie Brown growing up and loved reading the comic strips on Sunday mornings. Let’s see if we can bring back some of those feelings tonight.

  1. Choose your battles

In the beginning of the film, Lucy loses her temper and confronts a young girl for sticking her tongue out at her. However, Lucy backs down after deciding it wasn’t worth fighting over. She then respectfully and humbly walks away.

I learned that you need to choose your battles in life. Sometimes you have to be man or woman enough to walk away. Everything is not worth fighting over. Trust me, when it is, you will know.

2. Plan B

Charlie Brown gets left by the bus on the way to Camp Remote in the mountains. His faithful pet dog, Snoopy comes to the rescue and gives him a lift on the back of his motorcycle.

If you want something to get done, then it is best to do it yourself. It is fine to ask and accept help. Just make sure you know and trust the source.

3. Be Brave

As soon as they enter the camp, they meet some bullies. They tease the Peanuts gang. After, insults fly Linus uses his blanket and valiantly pushes the bullies back away from him and the gang by towel snapping them.

Do not be afraid of standing up for yourself or others. Sometimes, you cannot just walk away from a fight or bullies. You may have to stand your ground. You can’t always turn and run away or hide. You have to say no more and stand your ground. When the going gets rough, you do not walk away, you stand your ground and plant your feet.

4. Democracy

Power without the confidence of a nation is nothing.  – Catherine the Great

The girls – Peppermint Patty, Lucy, Sally, and Marcie – must decide who will sleep on what bunk at camp. They take the democratic approach and vote on it. It is Marcie’s responsibility to prepare the secret ballot and count the votes. This allows for all parties to have their say without being intimidated or influenced.

I learned that this method can be great for ending disagreements. One person prepares to pass out the voting materials and other counts the votes. I personally use a pro and con list myself when I want to make certain decisions more pragmatically. There is much more you can get done diplomatically than by force. When you have the will and confidence of the people, then you can lead more effectively.

5. Caring

When the girls finally settle in at night they realize there is no one there to tuck them in and wish them sweet dreams. That’s when Snoopy comes and kisses them all good night. This makes the girls feel good.

Sharing is caring. That is how we make friends. Caring makes all the difference in the world.

6.Love and Friendship

Marcie has a hard time participating in the sporting events at camp. In particular, potato sack racing. Instead of leaving her behind and focusing only on herself, Peppermint Patty stops each time and offers words of encouragement.

This shows me that not everything is about winning. Sometimes lending a helping hand is more important. Listening is a great skill to have. You can use it to your advantage in life.

7. Sympathy

The boys and girls both are targets of the bullies at camp. They are ruthless cheaters. They are always chanting “We’re number one,” and rubbing their wins in everyone’s face much to the chagrin of the whole camp.

You definitely get the sense that the campers are pretty distressed by all of this. Even though the bullies are cheating, they still keep  fighting on. There is no need to wallow in despair when bad things happen. Keep pressing on. And hope good things for others.

8. Compassion

The boys and girls both get the air taken out of their rafts. The boys worked so hard the first time around blowing air into their floating tubes that you cannot help but have compassion for them when they have to do it all over again. The girls have to get out the air pump and were very displeased, but it did not stop them from competing in the river race.

In life, things are going to happen. You can have compassion for others. And if you can, try and help them out.

9. Put up a good fight

The bullies are constantly cheating throughout the race. This does not stop the Peanuts gang from putting forth their best efforts during the race. Their trials and tribulations only make them work harder and not give up.

If I have to go down, much like Atreyu said in The Neverending Story, I’m going down fighting. Do not give up so easily. What separates the winners from the losers is going on, one more second than your opponent.

10. Fight Back

The boys find a cabin in the woods and settle for the night. Then the girls come along and kick the boys out to sleep outside in the cold. When morning comes they girls expect hot, ready-made breakfast and ask, “Where’s the chow?” Peppermint Patty gets upset when its cold cereal. Charlie Brown snaps back, “If you don’t like, then you don’t have to eat it.” She then backs down, sits, and eats.

It’s okay to challenge people. Especially, those that like to boss people around. Again, choose your battles. Sometimes, they are worth having or speaking up for.

  1. Do the right thing

At one point in the movies, Snoopy gets separated from his friend Woodstock. What a friend.  Instead of going on without him, he stops racing, takes out a pack back and stick and goes looking for him.  This part of the film just warms your heart. When the rest of the gang meets up later, after being concerned for one another’s safety; they all rejoice in seeing one another knowing that they all are unharmed.

If something bothers you, then trust your instincts. Act on it. Do not disregard your feelings. If others do, then say something. If they do not accept you for who you are, then let them find and be with someone different. You know who your friends are because they will show they care. Love is a verb and it requires action. A friend in need is a friend indeed.

  1. Working Together

The bullies once again mess with the Peanut gangs rafts and basically destroy them. So, they all band together by putting on their life jackets, making a chain, and swimming out to get the raft. Charlie Brown misses and then Peppermint Patty goes swimming after it and gets the raft.

Unlike the title of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 4 episode entitled, The I in Team; there is no I in Team. You can get much better results and yield higher returns when you work as a group instead of alone. Banding together in hard times could mean the difference between survival and starvation.

13. Don’t give in to surrender

The Peanuts gang could have easily accepted defeat after all they went through. Instead, they paddled on. They saw victory in their sight and went for it full steam ahead.

You cannot just say I can’t take anymore. You have to fight on. The champ is the one that can throw one more punch. In life, it’s not how many times you get knocked down or pushed around. It’s about how many times you get back up.

  1. Appreciation

The boys take charge in leading the raft when the race is nearly over. On more than one occasion, they expected Charlie Brown to lead or save them. Instead of saying thanks, they generally mocked or criticized him when things went wrong, even when he tried his best.

There is a time and place for criticism. You should criticize softly and praise loudly. At the very least, say thank you.

15. Cheating

The bullies cheat by changing signs, destroying personal property, and playing dirty. In the end, the expensive and fancy speed boat they use with all the gadgets – sonar, radar, the works- instead of paddles or sails like the rest of the racers, sinks.

Cheaters never prosper. These boys got what was coming to them. They did not even handle their boat with care. In the end, the expensive boat sank and was rendered utterly useless. And you know what, most expensive things are.

  1. Enough is Enough

Deciding the rest of the racers should not finish if they can’t, the bullies try to again sabotage them before making it to the finish line. Even though they are out the race and will lose, it is not enough for them; therefore, everyone else must lose too. However, when Snoopy’s pal Woodstock is crossing their path, instead of letting the bullies cat take him out, Snoopy knocks him in the water and defends his friend. Thereby, this action was effective in ensuring Woodstock’s safe passage to cross the finish line.

You just have to stand up for yourself. You cannot just let people walk all over you. Otherwise, they will do it for the rest of your life.

17. Diplomacy

At one point, the boys end up in trouble. The girls have to decide whether or not to help them. Again, they use the secret ballot method to make a decision to help them out. Even though, helping them was just common sense and the right thing. Resulting in Charlie Brown replying to the girls, “how big of you.”

A recurring theme in the film is about using democracy to solve problems. Everyone gets a say by casting a vote. No hard feelings as you get your say. Your voice and input are counted. So, don’t say nothing because that is a vote that will cost you in the end to having no say in what goes on.

18. No more Mr. Nice Guy

After the race is over, and the bullies are no longer number one, the start spouting off about returning to number one next year. The winner of the race walks by with his trophy. The bullies’ cat gears up to hit the winner and Snoopy roughs him up again.

Sometimes you just can’t take it anymore. You get fed up. Everyone has a threshold. Once you reach, then that’s it. You won’t be anyone’s doormat anymore. If you test people again, they are likely to come back just as strong as or stronger than before.

19. Don’t be a sore loser

The bullies seem to take defeat not too kindly. They lost. Get over it.

If you can be an incredible winner, then also be an incredible loser. Be gracious on the way up, while you are up, and on the way down.  You never know who you may run into again on the way back down.

20. You reap the fruits of your labor or whatever you sow.

At the end of the film, the bullies reaped what they sowed. They lost. They were no longer numero uno. They could no longer call themselves, as Nigel Uno did in Codename: Kids Next Door, number one. In the illustrious words of the bullies in the film, “ha-ha.”

You must work for what you want. You can’t just get by on your good looks or live off someone else. The lazy people actually work the hardest. If you do not work in the Fall, there will be no harvest in the Spring. You have to work for your keep. You can’t build lasting wealth if you’re not willing to work.

Basically, I learned a lot from this film years ago as a kid. So, I just want to say, “Thanks Charlie Brown, for racing for your life!”

Film Reviews

Life Lessons I Learned from The Warriors

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One weekend I was flipping through channels and I came across an old movie called The Warriors. I decide to watch it. I thought it was brilliant.  It inspired me so much I decided to write this article.

The Warriors was a 1979 film directed by famed moviemaker Walter Hill and distributed by Paramount Pictures. It was based on the 1965 novel written by Sol Yurick. In the book, which is based the Greek work Anabasis where a band of Greeks are caught behind Persian enemy lines and must battle their way home, a street gang called “The Warriors” are framed for murder and then the entire city turns on them; while far from home and so they must fight their way back. Even though they are wanted: dead or alive. They actually said that in the movie.

See for yourself at 1:20 minutes into the video.

The synopsis of the film is that a turf battle happens in New York City between rival gangs. One gang leader tries to bring them all together against the cops. The Warriors are falsely accused of killing the gang leader and must fight their way back from the Bronx to Coney Island.

This is the movie preview commentary. They got one way out. They got one chance. They got one night.

The movie tagline reads like this:

These are the Armies of The Night. They are 60,000 strong. They outnumber the cops three to one.

They could run New York City. Tonight they’re all out to get the Warriors.

I was instantly hooked. So I watched the movie. Here is where I share with you my takeaway’s from the film and what I learned.

MORALITY

The director Walter Hill has been quoted as saying “every film I’ve done has been a Western” and that “the Western is ultimately a stripped down moral universe.”

I have to agree with those statements.

The theme of the film is ultimately about morals.

The movie opens with a massive meeting of gangs in New York City listening to the top brass of another gang talk about how they outnumber the police and the city being theirs. Then out of nowhere a single shot is fired and kills him. The leader has been assassinated. Panic ensues. A lone gang known as the Warriors is singled out and fingered as the murderers; this is where the story begins.

LEADERSHIP

The protagonists are a long way from home. The long trek back is made even longer with menacing gangs out to get them at every turn. Meaning one thing: They have to fight all night long.

Their “War Chief” goes by the name of Swan and it’s his job to get them back home.

Swan immediately has them regroup and verifies everybody’s whereabouts. Then he makes a plan to get them back home.  He coordinates and directs the group’s actions and takes the lead. Even when he is challenged within his own group, he keeps his cool and simply says to the challenger, “make your move.”

He tried to keep the peace at first, but when challenged he didn’t back up or back down.

STREET SMARTS

The Warriors know that they are in rival gang territory, so they play it safe. They don’t draw any attention to themselves and wait for their opportunity to get on the subway train to get back home.

My favorite shot of the film is when they are waiting for that train. The feeling of desperation and need was palpable and it sets the tone for the rest of the film.

Instead of just going out on the platform the leader waits. When asked why they are waiting one group member named Fox (appropriately named as he is sly and crafty) responds, “a train for one thing unless you want to get japped on an open platform.”

They hide from other gang members until their train comes and then make a run for it. After a short ride, the train is stopped for a fire. Fox tells the group what are the odds of that happening and he says they should be more concerned about who started that fire. Very smart indeed young man.

At one point of the film, Swan also tells the group if they get separated, to meet at a central location.

I learned it is always best to have a plan A, B, C, and so on. Pay attention to your surroundings and not to underestimate an enemy. It is not enough to be book smart, you have to know how to handle yourself with people and your environment too.

DIPLOMACY

The group has to walk to the next train station. They run into a gang called the Orphans. Swan and Fox go over there to negotiate safe passage through their neighborhood.

Instead of being angry or conceited they are cool, calm, and collected. They know they are not in charge here. When the leader of the Orphans talks of disrespect and speaking with them prior to entering their turf for safe passage; Swan says, “we’re not invading and I’m parlaying right now.”

They come to a peaceful resolution and agree to let them pass with one caveat: to take off their member jackets. When they are instructed to take off their group colors Swan flatly refuses. Fox says the jacket merely symbolizes who they are (their mark) and what they represent, it is not a sign of superiority or war. They have to choose to be civilians or soldiers.

They decide to refuse this stipulation and then Swan tells the group they are moving on ahead without consent with no fear or shame and heads held high.

This scene ended with an incredible surprise involving a Molotov cocktail (AKA a poor man’s grenade)that you have to see to believe.

I learned that peace is the route always worth taking, but not at the price of sacrificing your dignity.

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST

The Warriors are a fitting name for the group. At every turn, they find themselves having to run, hide, or fight.

Acts of valor is constant throughout the film.

These guys had tons of stamina.

The members have to deal with gangs on roller skates, with baseball bats, women combatants, and the police.

Fight or flight is the name of the game. In this movie, with every gang out gunning for you that means one thing.

Run.

And run they do, from night until dawn.

All the while a sinister commentary by a female deejay is ongoing in the film.

It was the ultimate cat and mouse game of “us against them,” and not knowing what may happen next.

Darwin wasn’t kidding with his statement of those who are fittest survive. I got to see that put to the test in this film. No matter who they were put up against, they fought hard and bravely.

When it was time to act they didn’t hesitate. I have learned to do the same.

NEVER BE ASHAMED OF WHO YOU ARE

After fighting all night long, the group gets on another train headed for home. While on the train a group on nicely dressed, seemingly well-to-do young people get on. At first, they are oblivious to the Warriors, but then they take a look at them and fall quiet.

The woman that is with the Warriors knows she looks battered down and then starts trying to make herself look more presentable. Swan merely puts her hand down to stop her from doing this.

This scene gives you perspective. It doesn’t matter if you’re poor. You still should have dignity and self-respect.

I learned that you should not be ashamed of who you are, where you come from, what you look like or what you have.

If all you can afford is second -hand, then so be it.

“Learn to sit on an apple box until you can afford a chair.” – Joel Osteen

LIES HURT

The morale of this story comes into play from the very beginning. A lie leads the Warriors down a path of being victimized and guilty without proof. Even though, they are innocent.

I learned that lies can hurt people and destroy lives. Secrets are a burden.

TO TELL THE TRUTH

Knowing the truth is good no matter how painful it is because once you know the truth, and then you can deal with it.

“Truth is the only safe ground to stand on.” – Elizabeth Cady Stanton

STAND YOUR GROUND

The Warriors fought only when they had no other choice, but when they did they didn’t mess around.

They did not fight for glory, fame, or vengeance, but as a reckoning.

I learned in this life you may not be presumed innocent as you are more likely to be considered guilty. You do not give into this if you are truly innocent. You stand firm on your convictions. Period.

VINDICATION

In the end, the perpetrators get what is coming to them.

In life, you may not always get what you. There is no guarantee that bad things won’t happen, but it is how you deal with them that counts.

I have learned a good name and reputation can take you a lot farther in life than infamy.

PARTING WORDS

The film is a story of having insurmountable odds placed upon you and still coming out ahead. This film, like in life, has many layers of complexity. You just have to see it for yourself to believe it. So, go ahead and press play to check out the trailer if your warrior enough.