Life Lessons From The Godfather
The Godfather is considered as one of the best films of all time and has many famous quotes and phrases. It reflects on a variety of life lessons that we might apply in the real world. Now that’s an offer we can’t refuse.
Avoid making promises you can’t keep. “Doing exactly what he says he’s going to do is the most attractive thing a man can do.” Your actions and words reflect who you are. The way someone speaks can reveal a lot about who they are as a person. Although more than 90% of communication is nonverbal, words still hold power. It’s important to keep your word because it shows intention. Saying no to a request is also acceptable (as long as it’s not on your daughter’s wedding day).
Never ask for something without extending your respect and friendship. When making a formal request, be respectful and offer your friendship and loyalty. You’ll be considered weak, dishonest, and unreliable if you don’t. Don Vito Corleone said, “Now you come to me and say, ‘Don Corleone, give me justice.’ But you don’t ask with respect, you don’t offer friendship, and you don’t even think to call me Godfather; instead, you come into my house on the day my daughter is getting married, and you ask me to do murder for money.” — Don Vito Corleone.
Do not betray your family. No matter how much you despise your family, they are still your family unless you are willing to suffer the consequences of isolation or death. Don’t be like Fredo Carleone. Michael Corleone once said, “Fredo, you’re my older brother, and I love you, but don’t you ever go against the family again."
Avoid reacting emotionally. The real enemies of strategic decision-making are anger and hate. Emotion is only useful for motivating action, but it also affects your choices and dissuades you from your goal of improving your position. Reactions reveal weaknesses. The way a person responds might reveal a lot about them. As much as possible, keep your intentions concealed.
Avoid emotional outburst like those of Santino “Sonny” Corleone, eventually, lead to his downfall. Why? Because he became predictable. Don’t ever become predictable. “Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment.” — Michael Corleone.
Don’t involve yourself in other people’s personal lives. Never involve yourself in the life of a married couple. Gossiping or giving unsolicited advice is frowned upon. Someone’s personal life is exactly that — it’s personal. Privacy must be respected. When Connie and Carlo have a fight at the dinner table, Sonny tries to intervene only to be hushed by Mrs. Corleone, “Sonny, don’t get involved.” — Carmela Corleone.
Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. My dad always says “follow not only what your business partners are doing, but what your competitors are involved in as well.” never burn bridges and always hold your ground. Sometimes working together with a competitor is actually the best way to achieve a common business goal. When Michael Corleone was tormented by Senator Pat Geary he simply replied: “My offer is this…nothing.” He kept Mr. Geary in his circle and played his cards right, eventually landing the politician in his pocket.
Establish friendships out of respect, business, and trust. You become the average of the 5 people you hang out with. Sit next to the talent, choose your friends. Consider the benefits and disadvantages that a certain friendship can bring. “Friendship is everything. It is more than the government. It is almost the equal of family.” — Don Vito Corleone.
White-collar criminals are the most powerful criminals. From politicians, international investors to entrepreneurs, people in high places of power can create more chaos and impact your family in a much more negative way than your average criminal. The average street criminal is not glorified in the grand scheme of things. “The lawyer with the briefcase can steal more money than the man with the gun.” — Mario Puzo, The Godfather
Michael: My father is no different than any powerful man, any man with power, like a president or senator.
Kay Adams: Do you know how naive you sound, Michael? Presidents and senators don’t have men killed.
Michael: Oh. Who’s being naive, Kay?
Build a powerful community. By helping others, you will receive help as well. You will also receive respect. Don Vito Corleone built a powerful empire by building a strong community. He helped his local neighbors and friends and established a strong reputation. “Someday, and that day may never come, I’ll call upon you to do a service for me.” — Don Vito Corleone.
Everything is personal. Every part of our lives is linked to our individual belief system — every single thing. Our relationships, our self-esteem, our health, our happiness and our peace of mind. The world we have created is a process of our thinking.
The key is to choose your battles wisely and fight for only what matters and let the rest go.
“Tom, don’t let anybody kid you. It’s all personal, every bit of business. Every piece of shit every man has to eat every day of his life is personal. They call it business. OK. But it’s personal as hell. You know where I learned that from? The Don.” — Mario Puzo.
