Can we illustrate lessons on living a better life through America’s favorite villain? Alexander DeLuca thinks so.
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House of Cards’ third season premiered on Netflix this weekend to the delight of millions of fans. After an “accidental” leak earlier in the month, hype has been building for the next 13 chapters in the story of Frank Underwood, America’s favorite villain.
While it is generally accepted that Underwood is an evil character, his accomplishments only prove possible with a deep understanding of the way people work. While he may choose to put his expertise to nefarious use, it cannot be denied that he understands the hard facts of life. Here are the top five life lessons from the villain we love to hate:
1 – Money doesn’t last
“Money is the Mc-Mansion in Sarasota that starts falling apart after 10 years. Power is the old stone building that stands for centuries. I cannot respect someone who doesn’t see the difference.”
Centering your career and life goals around money is short-sighted. While financial independence is something everyone should strive for, it should always be in support of the bigger picture. Wealth allows you the freedom to pursue the things that speak to your character. Whether you’re building political power like Frank or aiming for more traditional goals like starting a family or helping others, money is simply a vehicle that will help you achieve them. Unless you are the next Rockefeller or J.P. Morgan, it won’t be your bank account that people remember after you’re gone, it will be your accomplishments.
2 – Be good to your friends
“Friends make the worst enemies.”
Friendships in adulthood are more difficult to develop and maintain, but can be incredibly rewarding. There are proven societal and political benefits to having adult friendships. I’m talking about the people who you let beyond your outer walls and allow yourself to be vulnerable around. But friendships are not free. Without dedication, honesty, and loyalty, a friendship can turn sour. This should always be avoided. The last person you want working against you is someone who already knows you behind the scenes, as you’ll stand to lose a lot more than a friend.
3 – Use pain to grow stronger, but never wallow
“There are two kinds of pain. The sort of pain that makes you strong, or useless pain. The sort of pain that’s only suffering. I have no patience for useless things.”
Every obstacle is an opportunity to grow stronger. When we experience hardships in life we are being presented with life lessons that will make us better men in the future. These kind of struggles can sometimes be painful, but it is a pain much like a sore muscle after a workout or an injury from sport, it’s a casualty in a journey of self improvement. The kind of pain that should be avoided is self-pity and useless anger. Frustration with traffic will not make you a stronger person. Wallowing in sadness from a hardship long after it has passed accomplishes nothing but stalling your own development. Avoid the useless pain and focus on growth.
4 – Always keep your word
“The nature of promises, Linda, is that they remain immune to changing circumstances.”
Your word is your reputation. If you make a habit of over-promising and often fall short it will quickly begin to define you. People greatly value a man who lives by his word and they learn to avoid those who don’t. Because of this, it is critical to take your commitments seriously. Make promises sparingly and always follow through. Repeat this enough and you will quickly build trust which strengthens all relationships.
5 – Don’t let obstacles stop you
“Freddie believes that if a fridge falls off a minivan you better swerve out of its way. I believe it’s the fridge’s job to swerve out of mine.”
As you chase your goals you will sometimes be surprised by obstacles that scare you. Unexpected expenses, loss or other sudden challenges may seem insurmountable when first encountered. This naturally creates stress which may lead you to disregard your goals for instant relief. Whether this means spending your retirement savings on an expense or going off your diet to comfort yourself in sadness, you’ll be tempted to veer from your path. In these moment’s it is often imperative to maintain your focus and motivation. At first it may prove difficult, but every time you strengthen your resolve in such a manner, the next instance will become easier and easier until you can weather the fiercest storm and come out the other end a better man.
As you move through life chasing goals and developing your character, these lessons in self improvement are important to keep in mind. Perseverance, honesty, maintaining friendships and growing from hardship are all virtuous pursuits. It may seem counterintuitive that these lessons could come from a character as reviled as Frank Underwood, but only through his thorough understanding of these concepts could he twist them to his own benefit. The lessons are merely the tools to better decision making, it’s actions that define your character.
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