The first Star Wars movie was released in 1977. That’s nearly 40 years! So the stories and messages about good and evil have become embedded in the way we view things. The “Dark Side” so clearly represents the concept of evil. “The Force” is this god-like consciousness our heroes rely on. And while it might be “just a story” the lessons can have as immense of an impact on your life as any advice from great philosophers or religious leaders. In a very real way, most of us know the lines from those movies better even than the most staid advice on ethics and fair play.
“In my experience, there is no such thing as luck.” – Obi-Wan
It’s often easy to get down-hearted when we feel like things aren’t going to work out for us through no fault of our own. When we take ownership of our own choices and their impact on our forward movement, that’s what real change is born. A lucky break is really just an opportunity you were ready to meet.
“Never tell me the odds.” – Han Solo
Han Solo is a cultural favorite because he’s so witty and sarcastic, but with a good heart. His point here is well-taken. Never look at how much the odds are stacked against you because that’s a sure way to fail. And don’t listen to the people who tell you “you can’t” – very often those are the same people who are simply hoping that you won’t because they can’t.
“Who’s more foolish? The fool or the fool who follows him?” – Obi-Wan
It’s really a toss up here, isn’t it? We often follow the crowd because we feel like moving against them must make us wrong. The crowd isn’t always right. History is littered with cases of mass stupidity.
“Many of the truths that we cling to depend on our point of view.” – Obi-Wan
There is a truth to the philosophy that every person works from ego center. We view things through the lens of our own experience. When we learn to put ourselves in other peoples’ shoes and to look at things from alternate perspectives, we learn that truth can be far more subjective than we realize.
“Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you?” – Yoda
This lesson was repeated often during our childhoods but it still holds true. One person can make a difference if they’re inclined. Your limitations really only exist by the lines you’ve drawn for them.
Star Wars created an enormous impact in the public consciousness because the lessons were timeless and real. There’s no shame in gaining great insight through popular culture. In fact, the most popular stories often become well known because they speak so well to the human experience.
