Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to watch “Forrest Gump” on Netflix, a multiple award-winning gem from 1994. This film had been on my radar for years, yet the timing never felt right until now. It’s a powerful story filled with timeless philosophical insights, including the unforgettable quote: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get” famously echoed by Alibaba founder Jack Ma. This quote symbolizes life’s unpredictability, where each experience leaves a unique impression, much like the various chocolates flavours.
Viewing “Forrest Gump” through a minimalist lens reveals profound lessons that resonate deeply with the core principles of minimalism. The film inspires a reflection on how we can simplify our lives by shedding both physical clutter and mental burdens. Embracing minimalism enables us to concentrate on what truly matters, fostering clarity and purpose as we navigate life’s beautiful unpredictability. “Forrest Gump” encourages us to treasure each moment, reminding us that in simplicity lies the richness of our experiences.
Below are some of my own favourite quotes from the movie.
“What does normal mean anyway?”
Mrs. Gump, a devoted single mother, strives to provide her son Forrest with the same opportunities as others, despite his special needs. However, Mr. Hancock, the principal of Greenbow County Central School, refuses to enroll Forrest due to his IQ being just five points below the minimum requirement. The film highlights the societal tendency to alienate those who differ from the norm, emphasizing that “normal” is a subjective concept. It ultimately shows that Forrest can lead a successful and fulfilling life despite his limitations, reinforcing the value of acceptance and diversity.
“Now, Mama said there’s only so much fortune a man really needs, and the rest is just for showing off.”
Throughout his life, Forrest Gump learned to be content with the little he had, but after his successful shrimping business and Lieutenant Dan’s investment in Apple stocks, he suddenly finds himself wealthy. As he shares this story with listeners at the bus stop, he begins with a memorable quote and reveals that he donated a significant portion of his newfound wealth. The narrative challenges the notion that money equates to happiness, emphasizing that true happiness stems from self-acceptance. While money can provide security and luxury, it can feel empty without meaningful relationships to share it with.
“That’s all I have to say about that.”
Forrest Gump’s life is filled with incredible opportunities, but it also features several heart-wrenching moments, including the death of his best friend in Vietnam, his mother’s battle with cancer, and the struggles of the love of his life, Jenny. As he shares these experiences with those listening to his story, he often concludes with a poignant quote. Despite his generally kind and empathetic nature, Forrest has his moments of emotional vulnerability. However, he chooses not to dwell on the painful moments, opting instead to acknowledge them and move on without getting lost in his grief. This approach illustrates a healthy way to process loss and trauma while maintaining a focus on the positive aspects of life.
“Mama always said dying was a part of life. I sure wish it wasn’t.”
After years of longing for each other, Forrest finally reunites with Jenny and meets their son, Forrest Jr. They marry and share precious moments together, but tragically, Jenny succumbs to a terminal illness. Forrest buries her beneath the tree where they played as children and shares a heartfelt goodbye quote. The narrative highlights that death is an unavoidable aspect of life, striking unexpectedly and reminding people to cherish everyday moments and relationships. However, the pain of loss remains profound, especially when it feels like there wasn’t enough time spent together.
“My mama always told me that miracles happen every day.. Some people don’t think so, but they do.”
At the bus stop, Forrest shares a quote about how he learned to run, which reflects the miraculous events he encounters throughout his life. While these moments may appear to be fictional conveniences, they highlight a deeper truth: each day holds the potential for surprises, and even simple gestures, like greeting someone, can create ripples that have unforeseen effects. This suggests that small miracles can occur daily, and collectively, they can lead to significant changes in people’s lives over time.
People often overestimate the importance of hard work in achieving success while underestimating the profound influence of luck and the opportunities that come from being in the right place at the right time. Tom Hanks interpreted the feather as a symbol of how our destiny is shaped by how we navigate the chance elements of our lives, emphasizing that it represents the random opportunities that can land at our feet. Similarly, linking the feather to fate, suggesting that it drifts in the wind, touching down here or there, leaving us to ponder whether its landing was planned or merely a matter of luck.
Warren Buffett candidly acknowledges the role of luck in his success, expressing it this way: “The truth is that I’m in my current position largely because of luck. When I was born in 1930, the chances were around 40:1 against my being born in the United States. I won what I call the ovarian lottery on that first day, and to top it off, I was born male. That adds another 50/50 chance, bringing the odds to 80:1 against being born a male in the United States, which has been immensely significant throughout my life.”
Forrest Gump embodies a life of simplicity and serendipity, often inadvertently embarking on a range of adventures that lead to unexpected successes. He accepts life’s unpredictability without harboring expectations of rewards, gracefully coping when things don’t go as planned. Although he experiences sadness and disappointment, he allows himself to fully immerse in those emotions before choosing to let go and move forward. His character exemplifies the art of living in the moment, perfectly captured by the quote below.
