5 The Godfather quotes to live by.

Despite the stress and work of online classes, I managed to watch the Godfather's trilogy, from the Corleone family's rise to the Godfather Michael Corleone's downfall.  The first installment was deemed one of the greatest films ever released, having a 9.2 rating on IMDB. It has a better-crafted plot, historical contexts are strong, and has striking imageries. I love how Michael's character development from being a war soldier to slowly getting corrupted in his family's affairs, having no choice but to meddle to preserve the family's legacy, carrying on with his father's wisdom. It's a superb and brilliant masterpiece.

Here are quotes in the first Godfather movie that I believe is beneficial to live by

"A man who doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man."

This quote emphasizes that we should never forget our roots and the people that helped us grow in the process of our pubescence. Sooner or later, we would achieve our dreams, and we'd be busy with our responsibilities and work. We live by the principles that we accumulate in our lives, but we can never deny that our families are one of the focal points that made us who we are today.

Toxicity often runs in some family units to the point they'll drag you down and ridicule your efforts to pursue your dreams. This quote is not meant for those who degrade you and treats you like a milking cow. You should know who your family is and the true definition of home. Once you grasp the very foundation of what you call your "family," you should never forget to spend time with them along the road. Besides, you would never get to where you are without their help, right?

"A friend should always underestimate your virtues, and an enemy overestimates your faults."

This quote struck me good, not only because of its depth, but it actually is the philosophy of both friendship and enmity. It's an excellent topic to cover-up since it tackles when you should know a person if they are friends or foes as it's always the case of friendships and enmity. A friend underestimates your virtues. After all, they don't care about how much you give them because they are contented by the company you bring, and they always wish you well along your journey. They don't have room for hostility because they don't seek your failure but instead seek the goodness in you by succeeding in life.

Your enemies overestimate your faults since they seek your downfall and will do what it takes to keep you lower than them. They overestimate your mishaps because they anticipate opportunities to intervene to lift themselves up by trampling you down. It's a known human reaction that we keep close contact with our enemies because it's a matter of self-defense that we see what they're planning next against us.

Whatever happens, it's essential to know whether someone can be a friend or a foe. Since friends and enemies are critical in our journey in our life.

"You can act like a man!"

This quote has always been a definition of someone strong enough to face hardships in life. The Godfather reprimanded Johnny Fontane for whining about his problems. The Godfather's scolding was necessary to make Johnny realize that he has the power to solve his situation instead of just complaining and whining. In the movie, Johnny was really reliant on the Godfather since he's the one who put him to fame and power through connections. This quote tells us not literally be a man but embody a man's traits that show firm conviction, never faltering in times of hardships. 

I can relate to this in everyday life, especially the pandemic is here, and it shows a challenge to our productivity and even our sources of income. Problems are not made to be unsolvable. We must have the courage to find the solutions; this proves how we are dedicated to a particular thing and how we are invested in our own growth. Practicing independence can be beneficial since you are the captain of your own ship, ask for help if needed, but never be dependent on others because that will hinder your development as a person.

"Revenge is a dish best served cold."

I would never opt for revenge abruptly; a wise person would never take revenge on his enemies hastily. This will probably be fueled by anger and discord, and anger can blind a person. Revenge is better when it's going to happen in the long-term; instead of opting for revenge early, you must consider how it will benefit you or if it cost you enough or even a piece of yourself. Serving revenge cold could be worth it since the person will not expect things, and mostly, it's them that has most to lose. Meanwhile, you, on the other hand, are favored by karma and wins in the end.

"And I refused--to be a fool--dancing on the string, held by all those--bigshots."

Don't be a slave in your own life; it is the last thing you can do in your life. A slave's life is miserable, pathetic, and dedicates most of his/her time to serving and pleasing others. This, you must not do. You must embrace change and be a freethinker, embrace ideas and cultivate them as your own. When you're just relying on others and even your higher-ups on your direction in life, you would never be delighted.

You must prioritize your dreams; after all, the joy of living is accomplishing your goals no matter how hard it is. Though we have to favor those "bigshots" to earn money for a living, we should never abandon our dreams.

Keep on dreaming, be the captain of your ship and the master of your soul.

Bonus quote:

"I'll make him an offer he can't refuse."

Be wise enough to keep his/her friends and foes in check and know how to play the cards right. Knowing how to make an offer to gain an advantage is a practical move and outreach in life. It signifies that you are confident and is ready to dominate achievements in your way.

Though the movie signifies it as the result of bloodshed, in ordinary life, there are certain situations where we make offers, and some of those offers come in handy when played right.

So that wraps it up! I hope it kind of inspired you to keep on being productive despite the hardships. I'm planning to write a story for valentine’s day or something, but I'll give my thanks for taking the time if you reached this far.

Keep on reaching the stars,

Marc.