Tag Archives: Napoleon

Film Reviews, Financial Freedom, Financial Independence, Saving, Wealth

Money And Greek Myths: Lessons From Clash Of The Titans

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Attitude is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than what people do or say. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. – W. C. Fields

That quote from W.C. Fields could not more accurately describe this film. The Gods of Olympus rule the world of man. And those who disobey or hurt others are punished.

I have learned that my attitude dictates everything around me including my ability to build wealth. A positive attitude can move mountains.

See my post Money and Life Lessons I Learned from CBS Srorybreak’s Yeh-Shen

This mythical tale of Perseus, son of Zeus, and his quest for the ‘fair’ Andromeda,  Clash of the Titans was released on June 12, 1981.

Why is Greek mythology important?

Greek mythology is the body of myths originally told by the ancient Greeks. These stories concern the origin and the nature of the world, the lives and activities of deities, heroes, and mythological creatures, and the origins and significance of the ancient Greeks‘ own cult and ritual practices.

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Clash of the Titans is a 1981 British-American heroic fantasy adventure film directed by Desmond Davis and written by Beverley Cross which retells the Greek mythological story of Perseus. It stars Harry Hamlin, Judi Bowker, Burgess Meredith, Maggie Smith and Laurence Olivier. The film features the final work of stop motion visual effects artist Ray Harryhausen.

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Review for the film with an excellent synopsis from IMBD # 8 from 2004. 

In the Mount Olympus, Zeus (Laurence Olivier) destroyed the city Argus with the Titan Kraken to punish King Acrisius (Donald Houston) that sentenced his daughter Danae (Vida Taylor) and her son with Zeus Perseus to death in the sea. Zeus orders Poseidon to save them and Perseus grows up in a paradisiacal island with his mother.

Years later, Zeus punishes Calibos (Neil McCarthy), the evil son of the goddess Thetis (Maggie Smith) and fiancé of Princess Andromeda (Judi Bowker), turning him into a monster doomed to live in the swamps.

The vindictive Thetis curses Andromeda with a spell and every suitor should solve a riddle; otherwise he would be sentenced to the bonfire. Further, she brings Perseus (Harry Hamlin) while sleeping half-naked to the City of Jopa but Zeus gives magical helmet, shield and sword to his son for self-protection.

When Perseus sees Andromeda, he falls in love with her and uses the magic outfits and Pegasus to discover the answer of the riddle with Calibos.

But Thetis dooms Andromeda to be sacrificed to the Kraken otherwise the City of Jopa and the inhabitants will be destroyed by the Titan. Perseus now has to defeat Medusa and the Kraken to save his beloved princess.

The saga of Perseus, the mortal son of Zeus, and the intrigue among the Gods of Olympus, is brilliant presented in this magnificent film. The delightful story is supported by an outstanding international cast, with names such as Laurence Olivier, Burgess Meredith, Maggie Smith and Ursula Andress, and by fantastic special effects, considering this is a 1981 movie. The golden mechanical owl Buba is hilarious and responsible for some of the best moments in this film. This epic is a wonderful and highly recommended entertainment for the whole family. I do not recall how many times I have had the pleasure of watching this film.

WEALTH IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR HUMILITY

Zeus watches over everyone in Mount Olympus. Especially, that of his children and those of the other Gods, many of whom have children with mortals.

It has become known that Thetis’ son Calibos, who has been spoiled and given every advantage in life, is cold and callous. He abuses and hurts others. For this, Zeus punishes him. His son Perseus, who was given none of those advantages or indulgences of Calibos, is punished by Thetis in retaliation and dropped in the middle of their war between each other.

I found it very interesting that Zeus was willing to punish Calibos for being inhumane and uncivilized. He let the punishment fit the crime.

This is a reminder that life is not fair and no deed goes unnoticed, good or bad.

You should live your life like it will hit the front page of every newspaper. Best to eat humble pie than be served a dish that is best served cold.

WITH MONEY COMES POWER AND WEALTH BRINGS PROTECTION

Being in power means you can make things happen. If you read the stories of Napoleon Bonaparte, The War of the Roses, Winston Churchill, or any leader or influencer you will find a theme.

Success leaves clues.

Regardless, of whether or not you are born into wealth, it is your job to manage all that you have. This is done by controlling your thoughts and actions.

Did you know that most generational wealth is gone within three generations?

According to MarketWatch, about seven in 10 wealthy families lose their fortune by the second generation, according to a study of more than 3,200 high-net worth families by the Williams Group wealth consultancy. By the third generation that number has jumped to 90%.

That means the parents and grandparents make the money, and the children and grandchildren spend it.

After doing some more research, I discovered the following:

  • If you earn more than $34,000 per year, you are in the top 1 percent globally.
  • Most wealth is not inherited. You have to work for your meal. There is no FREE LUNCH.
  • According to the book The Millionaire Next Door, most millionaires are worth between $1 million to $5 million.

See my post the Top 1% of income worldwide

In the film, Zeus provides Perseus with incredible weapons that are magical to protect him. This would not have been possible if his father did not have access to those things.

The reason you want to have financial independence is because you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

FIND YOUR PASSION AND CREATE YOUR FINANCIAL DESTINY

Perseus gets sent to Jopa where Calibos ex-fiance is cursed by his mother Thetis. He decides to find out the answer to the riddle so that he may marry the princess Andromeda.

One of my favorite parts of the film right here. Perseus was smart in the way he found the answer. This is what you are supposed to do in life. Find a goal. Make a plan. Execute. Same rules apply to personal finance.

I set a goal of saving first 10% of my income. Then it kept growing from there. I set the following savings goals:

  • Save 15% of my income
  • Save 20% of my income
  • Save 25% of my income
  • Save 30% of my income
  • Save 35% of my income
  • Save 40% of my income
  • Save 45% of my income
  • Save 50% of my income ➡this is my next goal 💰😉

WE ONLY WANT JUSTICE

If you cannot be a good winner, there is no way you can be a good loser. – Halle Berry

See my post on Halle Berry and success

After Perseus defeats Calibos, he spares his life only if he lifts the cure on Andromeda and he agrees.

He then goes to demand his mother seek out vengeance on Perseus. This is wrong. Perseus won in a fair fight with hand-to-hand combat. However, his mother does what he asks. Thereby putting Perseus on another quest to yet again save Andromeda and risking his life in the process although he committed no crime. He must now face Medusa.

Justice or Revenge

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the Gorgon Medusa

NEEDS VS WANTS

Knowing what your needs versus wants are is how you will achieve your goals.

Perseus must face Medusa in order to save Andromeda.

Who is Medusa?

In Greek mythology, Medusa was a monster, a Gorgon, generally described as a winged human female with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Those who gazed upon her face would turn to stone.

What is the legend of Medusa? In later myths (mainly in Ovid) Medusa was the only Gorgon to possess snake locks, because they were a punishment from Athena. In a late version of the Medusa myth, related by the Roman poet Ovid (Metamorphoses 4.770), Medusa was originally a ravishingly beautiful maiden, “the jealous aspiration of many suitors.” Accordingly, Ovid relates that the once beautiful mortal was punished by Athena with a hideous appearance and loathsome snakes for hair for having been in Athena’s temple and being pursued by Poseidon.

Simply put, she was punished for being too beautiful.

In the film, Perseus only did what is absolutely necessary. Veering off course, even just a little could spell disaster. Same goes for wealth building.

TRIUMPHANT AND SUCCESS AT LAST

Perseus wins.

Zeus declares:

No more trials against Perseus for he has confronted them and he has won.

The gods predict that Perseus and Andromeda will live happily, rule wisely, and produce children, and Zeus forbids the other gods to pursue vengeance against them. Zeus commands, “I forbid any revenge against Perseus.” He has triumphed and he shall be rewarded.

The constellations of Perseus, Andromeda, Pegasus, and Cassiopeia are created in their honor.

I feel that like Perseus, I have been underestimated.

It took many years to achieve the goals I had set for myself. Some of which I am still working towards. And as one is crossed off the list, others are added. However, as I once told my sister, I had my back against the wall and was down but not out.

It took every ounce of energy and willpower I had, but I started taking control of my financial life and never looked back.

All those times of wondering how I would pay the bills, get to the end of the month before getting through the end of the money, and living check to check was no more.

I had prevailed against every obstacle, trial and tribulation, and test that had come up against me. There would be no more trials of continuing to go into debt against me. For I had triumphed and I had won!

I hope you enjoyed this post. I had to travel all the way back to 1981, but you have to admit that it is a great story and a spectacular adventure.

Well Greenbacks Magnets, that wraps up another post. Until next time.

Book Reviews, Film Reviews, Financial Freedom, Financial Independence

5 Wealthy Nuggets of Wisdom from The Count of Monte Cristo

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All human wisdom is summed up in two words; wait and hope. – Alexandre Dumas, author of The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers

As I am sure by now you can tell, that I like to not only be entertained, but to entertain my readers as well. Well, this blog post du jour will be no different. One of my favorite stories is one that was written many years ago.

This tale has it all. Money. Lust. Power. Greed. Revenge.

I am sure many out there have heard of the book called The Count of Monte Cristo. It was written by Alexandre Dumas in 1844. Although, the book’s origin is over 200 years old, its plot is just as poignant today as it was then.

The story takes place in France, Italy, and islands in the Mediterranean. The Italian island of Monte Cristo is where the protagonist in this story derives his name. The historical events in the novel happen between 1815-1839, during the time Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled. A true adventure tale that involves the themes of betrayal, hope, justice, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness.

The plot involves a young sailor that is wrongfully accused of a crime he did not commit.  Falsely convicted with no trial and imprisoned, he escapes from jail, acquires a fortune, and sets out a plan to exact revenge on those who conspired against him.

His name is Edmund Dantes. And this is his story.

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This post will focus on the 2002 film version of this story.

So, sit back, relax, pull up a chair, pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy this post.

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Money Nuggets of Wisdom I got from The Count of Monte Cristo.  

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ALL WEALTH BUILDING STARTS WITH INCOME    

Money Nugget One: You must earn money to save money. Frugality allows you to save more money.

In order to even start building wealth, you have to have income. Money needs to come in before you can start saving any. But make no mistake, all wealth building starts with saving. Once you have money to save then you have to allocate funds to savings.

Please do not discredit the act of saving and frugality. It is far easier to slash expenses and save then it is to make more money.

Work with what you have. It will be far harder to save once you start making more money. So, start saving while you have small sums so you will already be in the habit to do so when you have large sums.

And make time to spend on fun. Do not cut back on fun. Spend more on fun. It will give you the energy and inspire you to earn and save more money. So that you can have even more fun.

I started by reviewing my bank statements and seeing what I was spending.

I made the decision to get rid of as many fixed expenses as possible. In addition, as I paid off debt I would incrementally up my savings.

I started with $1 a day. That was $365 a year. Then went to $50 per month and so on until I finally reached $13,333.06 a year. I cut out tons of subscriptions and services I didn’t need or wasn’t using. Once I saw how much I could save and in such a short time period, as I went from saving $3k a year to $13k a year within 12 months, I started realizing the power of saving.

You can read all about it in my ebook How to crush debt and save $10,000 every single year and other posts I have written from October 2018 through February 2019.

Check these posts out

In the film, Edmond (played by Jim Caviezel) is a Second Mate of a French merchant vessel. It starts in 1815. As their ship’s captain is ill, Edmond commands the ship to stop on the island of Elba. Napoleon Bonaparte offers the help of his physician’s services if Edmond will deliver a letter. And is sworn to secrecy.

Keep in mind, Napoleon is in exile and any correspondence delivered from him would be considered to be treason to the French monarchy as he is an enemy to the crown.  The letter was to be delivered to a powerful politician’s father.  You can pretty much guess where the story is headed.

Upon his return home to Marseille, he is rewarded for his bravery and promoted to captain over another gentleman that was First Mate by the name of Danglars and at the ire of his friend, Fernand
Mondego (played by Guy Pearce). This provided Edmond with enough income to marry his fiancée, Mercedes (played by Dagmara Dominczyk).

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Mercedes

However, before that happens, Edmond must deliver the letter he promised. He gives it inadvertently to the son of the man the letter was meant for. The politician J.F. Villefort (played by James Frain) said the letter was treasonous. It is revealed that Edmond could not read. All was good until he said the name of who was to receive the letter. Upon hearing his father’s name and knowing it would ruin his political career, Villefort burned the letter and ordered Edmond to be arrested.

RICH IS RELATIVE

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Money Nugget Two: Rich is relative

Edmond escapes arrest and goes to his friend Fernand’s house. His father is a count and he goes there for help and protection. However, his friend turns him in to the gendarmes (the French police). As he is arrested, he gives Edmond a chess piece as that is game they used to play as a parting gift.

Then Edmond asks, “why?” He replies that he should not envy the son of a fisherman or someone not of noble birth. That’s cold.

At this point in the film, you are reeling. A good man has been falsely accused and arrested. Put away in prison for life because he was a pawn in a much bigger scheme. One he was unaware of.

Let’s stop and think for a second.

Let’s meet the money players. Because everything always comes back to money. If you truly want to know something., then follow the money.  

Villefort is a well-known, connected, and in a respectable position of a salaried politician.

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Danglars is an educated shipman.

Fernand is the son of a count, wealthy, of noble birth and education.

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Edmond Dantes is none of those things. He had to work for every dime. He is poor and illiterate. When a sacrifice had to be made and a lamb had to be slaughtered, the sacrificial lamb was a poor man. Just something to think about right there.

Although, these people have money and connections, all of them disliked a man of no means, who lacked money, prestige, position, power, and education.

Money will not make you happy as you can clearly see from above.

Money itself has no power. It is what you do with it that gives it meaning or power. It does have the power change lives ad make life easier, but that’s about it. Therefore, rich is relative. It is what you perceive it to be.

Perception is reality.

Rich is different for everyone.

 NEGLECT CAN BE AN ALLY

Money Nugget Three: You can build a fortune without anyone knowing. Stealth wealth anyone?

One of the best parts of the film happens while Edmond is in prison. After six years, he meets a fellow prisoner by the name of Faria (played by Richard Harris), who was once a general in Napoleon’s army. He himself has been imprisoned for 11 years because he would not divulge the whereabouts of a secret treasure; the treasure of Spada.

Faria asks Edmond to help him dig tunnels to escape the prison. They barter. Edmond will only help if the man will teach him how to read. Faria agrees. In addition, he also teaches him how to fight.

Over the next 7 years, Edmond becomes a scholar and a swordsman.

This was made possible because the guards completely ignored and shunned them. Their neglect became their ally.   

This is similar to a story I read in Millionaire Women Next Door. While a young woman’s parents were ignoring her, she built up a healthy work ethic and saving plan that helped turn her into a millionaire as an adult. Do not let anyone tell you that you cannot be anything you want to be. If it is important to you, then you will find a way.

If I hear one more person tell me they do not have time to read personal finance books, I’m going to start a bull**it jar and put $20 bucks into it every time I hear that. By the end of 3 years, I will probably have enough to buy a car with cash.

If you have time to surf the Web, spend hours on Twitter, or read Facebook posts, then you can read about finance.

Now, I need your undivided attention for this next part. Reminder that glass of wine I mentioned earlier? Well, I need you to put it down for one minute.

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Once you get all this knowledge, then put it to use. Start investing. Even better, after you grow your fortune, tell no one. Then they can’t hit you up for gifts and interest free loans.

Think I’m joking? Look up bankrupt, broke, or rich NBA players and see interviews where they talk about how friends, hangers-ons, and family members ask them for money.  

I regularly tell people I am just out here trying to make it, you know, trying to make a dollar out of fifteen cents. Whatever will distract them from asking me about my money.

Sure, I have money in the bank. However, I am not a bank.

See my post

Become your own bank

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

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Money Nugget Four: There is power in getting an education.

After one conversation, Edmond was very upset. Faria helped him figure out who, how, what, and why he was sent to prison for life. That is when Edmond decides he wants justice. He must live and get out of prison.

Faria is hurt badly in prison, but before he dies, he tells Edmond where the secret treasure is hidden and provides him with a map. Knowing this was his chance to escape, Edmond hatches a plan to get out of prison. After he escapes, he runs into a band of pirates and befriends them.

He then sets off to see old acquaintances and in search of the lost treasure.

After getting the information he required on all his old enemies and his nemesis, Fernand, he finds the treasure.

Once a poor man, he is now the richest man in Marseille. He gives himself a new identity; a count. And a new name: Count of Monte Cristo.

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I remember hearing this growing up, beauty fades but dumb is forever. You cannot get by on looks alone. Get an education. It could be the difference of a life of penury or extreme wealth. You decide.

MONEY OFFERS PROTECTION

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Money Nugget Five: Money attracts money. Money also provides protection.

Edmond Dantes is no more. The Count of Monte Cristo is what he is referred to from this moment on. Everywhere he goes, people hang on to his every word. No one dares to disrespect or cross him to his face, but they will behind his back.

There are some excellent parts in the film as to what he does with his money and how he acquires his home. He is also careful with his identity. He guards it close. He is aloof and cold but not recalcitrant. He is very respectful to all levels of gentry no matter how noble or what manner of nobility a man is. An inferior or low ranking birth means nothing to him. Only power.

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You’ll see what I mean in this scene from the film.

In the illustrious words of Charlotte’s Web, “Salutations.” Or in the case of Monte Cristo, “Greetings.” 😉 Now this is how you make an entrance! This is my favorite scene in the film.

Monte Cristo is nobody’s fool. He has been to both sides of the island. Having been voted off the island of poverty so many years ago, he knows which side to be on.

“In this life we are either kings or pawns, emperors or fools.” – Napoleon Bonaparte

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Money is not only a tool, but one of protection. You can afford to pay your fare and your fair share of any financial obligations. Financial mediocrity is a fool’s game. You should respect money and take care to grow your money so that you can pay your share of any bill that comes in your mailbox.

Money offers protection from eviction.

Money offers protection from sleepless nights and worrying how to pay bills.

Money offers protection from bankruptcy.

Money offers protection from poor health.

I think you get my point.

I want you to be protected. I want you to have the means to take care of yourself and your family. That is why I write. I want to help people improve the quality of their financial lives. I want you to be self-made.  I want you to be a financial rock star. To fulfill your dreams. And if you happen to look for suggestions on good reading materials, you can come here.

May I suggest this literacy classic be one of those books, The Count of Monte Cristo, on your road to wealth that you pick up along the way. Or check out the movie and see how the story ends.

If you enjoyed this post, then you will not regret it.

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College, Film Reviews

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.