How to Respond to Adversity with Dignity

Brad Pitt made an interesting comment about the value of movies, during the Academy Awards presentation on Sunday. He said (and I paraphrase), 


"By watching movies, we see how other people act with dignity, particularly when they are faced with adverse circumstances. And, it make us better people by experiencing that."


 Movies Show Us How to Act


I thought about the movie True Grit, one of last year's award nominees (since I haven't seen any of this year's nominees yet, and I am presently reading the book version of True Grit.) I note how the main characters portrayed very high levels of courage, moral integrity, and care for each other. 


The characteristics that they display far surpass what we see in daily life. The movie protagonists are willing to forget about their own safety to rescue their companions, or perform their sworn duties. 

Marshall Cogburn rescuing Mattie Ross

Movies inspire us to live up to our own highest calling.


Books Inspire Too


In writing books, we do the same. One of our goals in writing should be to show people how to overcome obstacles and give them steps, or examples, to allow them to reach their aspirations. That's what the best "how to" books do, and, in fact, what any great book does.

David Copperfield

Take the book David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens. The story told of how a young boy overcame the death of his mother and father, growing up with mean and calculating in laws, and being forced to do fend for himself through most of his childhood years. 


Yet, he also encountered kind and inspiring people in his life. When the boy becomes an adult, he is able to transcend, or transform, the tribulations of his past, to become a successful writer and to lead a life that reaches out and helps many other people.


So, as you write, keep in mind that one of your primary objectives is to inspire. People should be better off from having experienced your book.


Other recommended articles:

What’s Up With You Lately and How You Can Use It to Inspire Others

An Amazing Time to Buy a Foreclosure