The pursuit of Happyness

A few hours ago I watched the abovementioned show. Will Smith portrays Chris Gardner, a bright and talented salesman who (almost literally) fights to make ends meet. Disaster after disaster happens making everyday just that much harder to move on. But then he sees a light at the end of the tunnel when he sees an opportunity - although far fetched – to get a better job for a better life.

Throughout the show, the directors successfully made the viewers think of these few themes:
“I just need to get through this”
“Trust me”
“How much worse can it get?”
“Can I do this?”

Because of this ingenious concept of self-examination, they allow you to feel Will Smith’s character so much so that every time he falls you hurt. Every time he feels angry, you feel his rage. Everytime he feels guilty, you can’t think of watching another second of it. But you do, because you know everything’s gonna be alright in the end.. or will it?

I’ll leave the rest for you to watch yourself. I personally give it a 5/5 rating as it hit me chest deep as it couldn’t have come at a better time when I’m contemplating similar issues.

It brings you through the limits an ordinary man can push in order to achieve extraordinary levels in life, no matter the circumstances; and believe me, his circumstances could not have been any worse. Imagine yourself having a son at the age of 35, not having what it takes to do your job. Subsequently, hardship strikes, your support from your loved one is gone, and you’re left defending the only family you’ve got – with 25 dollars, nothing more, nothing less.

What would you do? What can you do? An important question then unfolds:
How desperate do you have to be in order to suceed?

I’m sure you’ve heard of many success stories of wealthy millionaires who barely had enough food to survive during less fortunate times. Admittedly some of them maintain their status quo by accepting their so-called ‘fate’ but a small minority of them turn out to be the most successful people in their respective fields. And it’s due to one reason, and one reason only – drive.

Suddenly I look in the mirror and see an enemy staring back at me.

In this age and time, most of the hardships have been undergone by the previous generation and for most of them, their wish is to see us have a good education and have a comfortable life. Who wouldn’t love them for it? I certainly do. But are this actions indirectly planting seeds of complacency in us? Knowing that no matter what wrong we come across, what difficulties we encounter, what pain we endure *inhales* “It’s gonna be ok..”, says daddy.

Blessed are the ones who are born great, for they shall inherit much greatness. Blessed are the ones born less fortunate, for they have endured hardships and truly realize the importance of success.

Is the middle-class doomed to mediocrity?

A bold statement, I know. But everyday I see more middle-class folks reach a career saturation point set only by themselves. Is it really enough to be good? Or would only greatness give you true happiness?

What I’ve learnt is that happyness must be pursued.

P.S: *spoiler* Watch out for tear jerkers!