"Life isn't fair. It's just fairer than death, that's all." William Goldman
In September of 1987 I watched a little known movie called The Princess Bride, written by William Goldman who adapted the novel for the big screen. It had a huge impact on me then and as a result I shared that film with many, many people. Almost twenty years later, now a cinema cult classic, it still lingers in my heart.
I make a point to watch it again every few years to be reminded of a few key life lessons I gleaned from it along the way. I present to you my personal top ten list of life lessons learned from The Princess Bride.
Mr. Besilly's - 10 Things I've Learned from The Princess Bride
1. It's possible, with the right strategy, to best a giant.
2. Outsmarting the one who thinks he is smartest of all is not inconceivable. Pride creates vulnerability.
3. Don't believe everything you hear. It appears people can actually survive the fire-swamp.
4. The obvious bad guy isn't always the bad guy, but a reputation can be bigger than reality.
5. Reciting your name and life's purpose with passion to everyone you meet can gain you the resources you need to reach your goal. Plus win you a few lifelong friends along the way.
6. Good fighting is as much about style as it is about skill. Add style to your skills because style is more fun to watch.
7. The six fingered man was wicked then and he's wicked now. Pay attention to track records they tell a true story.
8. There is such a thing as true love if you are willing to fight to the death for it.
9. Having a great gift for rhyme can bring levity during a difficult time... I mean it. Anybody want a peanut? A sense of humor is priceless.
10. Fairy tales are a great reminder that happy endings are possible if you believe in them. We sacrifice for those things we believe in.
If you have not watched The Princess Bride it's not too late. You are in for a huge treat and it's kid friendly. Add to my personal Top 10 list with your own life lessons. It has taken me many years of personal trial and error to learn what have become for me valuable lessons to live by. Failure can be a prudent teacher. I am encouraged to know that I am still growing, learning and willing to make changes for a more fulfilling life. My life has not been a storybook story. I am very thankful for that. Your comments are encouraged.
This film is one of my old favorites too. I often recommend it still. It's wonderful and so funny. Must do my own list of ten and see if I come up with similar, more or different.
Thanks for posting it here to remind me of one of my fond film memories. Namaste, Thea
Posted by: Thea Westra | March 20, 2007 at 03:13 AM
This has always been one of my favorite movies. As you wish .....
Posted by: Nancy | March 20, 2007 at 08:02 PM
My most important lessons from the movie:
"Never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line!!"
and...
"There's a shortage of perfect breasts in this world."
http://www.princessbride.8m.com/script.htm#17
Posted by: MadSpanky | March 21, 2007 at 04:07 PM
Great movie, great post. Found you from the Carnival of Cinema.
Posted by: KevinL | March 23, 2007 at 06:42 AM
Always answer every unreasonable request with "as you wish" :-)
Posted by: Cyndi L | April 05, 2007 at 08:08 PM
A wonderful list - and a wonderful film/story! I keep the book in my bedside bookcase, for when a delightful lesson in optimism is needed.
Posted by: domestika | April 06, 2007 at 02:14 PM
Wonderful post. One of the most endearing films of all times. You drew out some great observations. It sends me off on some great concepts. Thanks.
Posted by: Philip Stolle | April 11, 2007 at 09:04 PM
Great post, Mr. Besilly, I'll pass it on to my friends.
Love number 3!
Thanks!
Posted by: AK | April 19, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Books resonate with me more than movies, but I can certainly appreciate The Princess Bride *and* your distillation of lessons from it. It definitely is something worth sharing with others!
Posted by: ~willow~ | April 24, 2007 at 10:57 PM
True love will definitely defy all odds.
I haven't had the chance to watch the movie but I've read the book and it's a good read, highly recommended.
Thanks for the list.
Posted by: bie | August 10, 2007 at 11:56 PM
LOVE IT!
Am passing it on! LOVE it!!!
Posted by: Nichole | September 16, 2007 at 08:37 PM
Thank you for the wonderful list. I will will look for the movie or book or both!
Posted by: Clary | October 14, 2007 at 07:00 PM
I didn't know the movie was about stuff like this, I always thought that it was some lovey dovey thing. Now I'll have to check it out. :D
Cheers,
Albert | UrbanMonk.Net
Modern personal development, entwined with ancient spirituality.
Posted by: Albert | UrbanMonk.Net | December 08, 2007 at 05:21 PM
Thank you.I often search the internet just to hear the music again. It has always been my favorite movie, song, everything. Thanks for posting it for the world. I enjoy hearing it again.
Posted by: April | August 23, 2008 at 11:53 AM
This is easily one of my top five movies of all time. It has it all. Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, and yes, true love. Anytime I need a pick-me-up, I just pop in the movie, sit back, relax, and just let the story do it's magic. If you haven't seen this movie, do so soon. And if you have, you owe it to a friend to share it with them.
Posted by: stephen | January 30, 2009 at 08:03 PM
Love your optimism! I think this is my daughters favorite as well :) Guess it is genetic LOL
Posted by: Online Movies | November 25, 2009 at 03:21 AM
The book is great too. Almost verbatim of the movie. Very well done.
Posted by: Eric Burdo | February 15, 2010 at 09:41 AM
or number 11: "just when you think you're getting ahead of your opponent, don't get too cocky, he might not be left-handed!"
But then again, I too am not left-handed!
Posted by: Robert | April 08, 2010 at 02:27 AM