The Stephen Hawking biopic The Theory of Everything has been tipped for Oscar glory. And why not? It’s a captivating journey through the life of Stephen Hawking which has thus far been challenging, rewarding and unbelievably difficult in places. It’s packed with talented actors (Eddie Redmayne as Hawking is outstanding) and actresses (including Felicity Jones who plays Hawking’s wife) but the amazing part is it is based on a true story (bar a few storytelling tweaks for impact – take a look at Slate’s excellent article on the changes)…and thus there are plenty of life lessons (in real life and work life) we can take from this film.
It follows Stephen, a highly intelligent and slightly geeky student as he embarks on his studies at Cambridge. Everything is going swimmingly until he is abruptly diagnosed with ALS and given just two years to live with the degenerative illness. This film has been criticised for its reluctance to focus on the scientific achievements and as such simplifying the subject matter and accomplishments (check out the NY Times on this). Yet this is also its strength. The focus on Stephen’s grit and determination, as he faces just two years to live, and then into his relationship and subsequent marriage to Jane grounds the film upon which the complex relationships and his worsening condition are built.
Stephen’s mathematical skill, intelligence and success runs through the film bolstered by technological advancements that allow him to convey his thoughts through clicking a button which transforms them into the computerised voice he is synonymous with. It’s a triumph on every level, of human nature overcoming adversity but it never strays from real life. The pain, the anguish and the slow deterioration of Stephen’s marriage is played with the gravitas it deserves, always showing the complexity of relationships. Yet this certainly isn’t doom and gloom, there’s hope, laughter, love and friendship. In all, an extraordinary life.
Here’s five life lessons marketers, and everyone, can take from The Theory of Everything
1- Image isn’t everything.
Stephen Hawking is operating in a world of science and mathematics which is not remotely concerned with image, however, he has published books, presented in front of people and has not let his condition hold him back in any way, shape or form. It is a lesson to any of us who are self conscious about how we look, or spend a ridiculous amount of time considering our image, that Stephen Hawking can stand on stage and deliver to a large audience just as he is. Respect is due. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
2 – Keep going. As Professor Sciama says to Stephen in the film; ‘Keep going, prove the mathematics.’ Always go a little further, be resilient, do a good job. These words are particularly significant towards the end of the movie;
‘Ever since the dawn of civilisation, people have craved for an understanding of the underlying order of the world. There ought to be something very special about the boundary conditions of the universe – and what can be more special than that there is no boundary? And there should be no boundary to human endeavour. We are all different. There is no such thing as a standard or run of the mill human being–but we share the same human spirit. However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at. While there’s life, there is hope.’ Stephen Hawking The Theory of Everything
3- Relationships are complex. Yes we know this already – but they certainly don’t need to be perfect. Stephen’s relationship with his wife Jane lasted 30 years and three children. He then went off to re-marry as did he. In all that adversity…against all odds. As he looks at his grown up children with his first wife Jane, he states simply – ‘Look what we made.’
4- Seize the day. Yes easy to say, especially this early in the New Year, but worry less, enjoy more. Stephen was diagnosed with just two years to live when at university, if that very thought isn’t enough to make you book that trip, read that book, hell write a damned book, then I don’t know what is. You never know what is around the corner so go for it.
5- Keep it simple and count your blessings. We over complicate things so much. Yet if you’ve ever broken your arm or hurt your leg, you’ll realise how hard it is and how much you appreciate your full health when it returns. Take a little time to appreciate it. And if you are lucky enough to have your health and you want to donate – here’s the link to ALS to do so.
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