A Few Lessons From Achilles

I just watched the movie 'Troy' and need to share some timeless lessons

I just re-watched the movie “Troy” last night and I am mind blown by the amount of lessons I took from the movie.

Here is a list of the top 5…

1. The Culture
   
   I recently had the opportunity to interview a Macedonian historian, and was amazed at the culture that people like Thucydides, Demosthenes, Aristotle, and Alexander lived in. As well as the people they looked up to.
   
   They didn't see the gods as far away, but they thought of themselves as direct descendants from them. They admired traits like courage, bravery, honor, and legacy (something which seems to have been lost today).
   
   Alexander the Great believed to be descendant from Herakles on his dads side, and Achilles on his moms side. He aspired to be like them and to emulate their traits. And for him, these were his ancestors.
   
   I love that idea. Of trying to emulate the gods. To aim at the highest possible version of yourself and higher. That is a beautiful takeaway.

2. Seeking Immortality

   "Myrmidons! My brothers of the sword! I would rather fight beside you than any army of thousands! Let no man forget how menacing we are. We are lions! Do you know what's there, waiting beyond that beach? Immortality! Take it! It's yours!"
   
   This speech is incredible.
   
   Right before the battle Achilles looks at his men and gives this speech. This is exactly how you inspire your troops. You tell them they are the best in the world, and you end it with what they can gain. In this case they are seeking glory, and honor, and immortality. They want their names to live forever!

   This is a theme that Achilles constantly acts out throughout the movie. He is seeking glory, he is seeking immortality. This dialogue between Achilles and Hector shows this:
   
   Achilles: They'll be talking about this war for a thousand years.
   Hector: In a thousand years, the dust from our bones will be gone.
   Achilles: Yes... but our names will remain.

   This is the exact mentality I want to have.

3. The Battle

   I love the idea of a worthy opponent. Hector was a worthy opponent for Achilles.

   Before they fight Hector says:

   "I'll make a pact with you. With the gods as our witnesses, let us pledge that the winner will allow the loser all the proper funeral rituals."

   And Achilles responds:

   "There are no pacts between lions and men"

   This has to be one of the coolest responses ever in movie history! I love this because I aspire to have this confidence before a battle. To walk forward with a 100% in my abilities and in my inevitable triumph. The same way Alexander did before Guagamela, the same way Topuria had before Olivera.

4. A Simple Maxim

   "All my life, I've lived by a code, and the code is simple: honor the gods, love your woman, and defend your country. Troy is mother to us all! Fight for her!"

   As much as I love Achille’s speech to his troops, I love Hector’s just as much. He is a simple guy, and lives with an honorable code. To love what he stands for, and be willing to fight for it

   Life is a constant battle. Be willing to fight for what you love.

5. The Art Of The Sword

   The last thing is that I simply love the swords fights.

   I mean can you imagine being in that form of 1 on 1 combat.

   

   The amount of confidence, and honor, and courage, and bravery you need to do this is unbelievable. I admire all of these traits.