Lessons from Spider-Man 3

Last night my family went to see Spiderman 3. We enjoyed the show firstly as a family outing and secondly as pure entertainment, with such good sound system.

As a philosopher by nature, I tend to project the sight (what we see) into insight (what we can learn) from the movie.

Here is a good hero, adored by many for bringing to justice of people who find it difficult to bring happiness to others. That good feeling soon turned into pride, and a desire to even want more attention was helped by the 'black rubbery creature' from outside the earth. The 'dark side' as I will call this creature, provided even more power and attractiveness. Few can resist this "positive change" in image, as he walked around with eyes constantly darting in his direction. Soon he found himself having difficulty to let go of this new found power, as he battles with his 'intrinsic goodness'.
The word that came ringing loud and clear is 'choice!' That one has a choice to decide. So often, one hear blaming on other factors such as circumstances, family background, boss rather than taking that responsibility to resolve the issue by one's inner knowledge of good and evil. It is so easy to project one's lack of guts to another, just to make one looks a lot better and stronger than one is. The easier way becomes the solution to the problem.
A colleague just told me about the lack of passion in the job and getting complacent about it. He has started to ask the right question, "what can I do about it?" This is the start of a journey of self-discovery. When one looks into the mirror, one will see perhaps one side of us. Look deeper, and one may discover the 'dark side' which one must take the firm decision to get out of it. The 'dark side' could be a lack of action to make a difference in the lives of those around us. It could be asking for forgiveness from someone whom one has wronged in the past. It could be many issues that one does not like about.

Isn't it time to make a change? A change for the better? Don't make changes for the sake of change. Do it because you have found that 'inner goodness' in you to see clearly the vision of a brighter future, and deciding to leave the 'dark side'. Who knows what the future has in store for us? Still, it is better to be on the journey of happiness than rest in the shadow of helplessness.

May you discover that new passion in life as you leave the 'dark side' behind, even though the latter is so attractive but certainly deceiving.

Note: All pictures on Spider-Man 3 above are copyright properties of Sony Pictures Corporation.