Quotes and 7 Lessons I Learned from “The Imitation Game” on Netflix
Lessons From 8 Quotes in the Imitation Game Movie
When was the last time you watched a war-based movie and didn’t have to sit through countless scenes of violence? Or when last did you see a movie that kept you on the edge of your seat anticipating what the next move was? The Imitation Game is a captivating, thought-provoking movie that tells the life of Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician and computer scientist dubbed: “the father of computer science”.
Overview
The movie not only takes us back in history, but it provides a glimpse into the mind of one of history’s most important and greatest figures, and it also raises important questions on intelligence, the power of secrecy and the cost of being different in society. Whenever I watch a movie, besides for entertainment, I usually analyse the movie for takeaway life points, especially a movie such as this.
Previously, I wrote about Quotes and Lessons from Netflix’s “The Queen’s Gambit” a Netflix series based on Chess and a hit in 2020, and I’ll like to do similar to this movie although an older one. A striking aspect of the movie which I loved while watching it is the powerful dialogue used throughout, which is filled with quotable lines that are very thought-provoking and make you think a little deeper.
The most important lesson I learned from the movie “The imitation Game” is that in life, the people and things we usually overlook, end up on the important side of history. In this case, Alan Turing despite feeling alone and going through adversity became who we now know and refer to as “the father of computer science”. It makes me think to ask; why do great inventors and geniuses pay a great price in the form of their health and especially mental health? Is it that for the universe to reveal its secret, we have to pay a great price and is it worth it?
A very important lesson I learned from the movie “The Imitation Game” is that the people and things we overlook in life usually can ultimately become some of the most important figures in history. In this case, Alan Turing, who despite facing adversity and feelings of isolation, went on to become known as “the father of computer science” and ultimately made great discoveries that ushered us into the age of computers. This raises an interesting question in my mind: why do inventors and geniuses pay such a high price in terms of their health, especially their mental health? Is it that in order for the universe to reveal its secrets, we must make such sacrifices? And if it’s unavoidable, is it truly worth it?
Quotes and lessons I learned
“Sometimes it is the people no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine.” — Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch)
This highlights the importance of never underestimating anyone’s potential or abilities based on how they look or act. Alan Turing was dismissed due to his social awkwardness ultimately made a huge impact both on the war at the time and his influence still lives on in today’s world. This teaches us to not judge based on perceived notions but that we should give people the chance to prove themselves.
“The machine is just a tool, like a hammer or a pencil.” — Alan Turing
The fact you’re reading this online shows us the importance of technology in our lives and we can use it for either good or bad. Just like any other tool, technology is just something that we have a choice on how we use it. The movie shows us Alan Turing's drive a motivation to use technology and not be afraid of it. He ultimately made something useful out of it.
“It is the war that has made it possible for us to get away with working on this.” — Hugh Alexander (Matthew Goode)
War is never something we all wish for in our lifetimes. However, this shows us how impactful war can have on our daily lives. It disrupts all activity and interrupts the normal flow of events. War creates a sense of urgency and a need for action that can motivate people to work together towards a common goal. It also plays a huge part in the advancement of societies. This has been proven to be true many times in history.
“I can only see the future, and the future is frightening.” — Joan Clarke (kiera Knightley)
We all love looking forward to the future and what we can do and achieve, this is why we try to control every part of our lives so that our future looks like what we imagined it to be. However, this quote highlights the uncertainty and fear that can come with trying to predict the future. It reminds us that the future is always uncertain as we do not know what would happen next, but also not let fear hold us back from taking risks and living in the moment.
“The secret to happiness is to live in the present and make the most of it.” — Alan Turing
Today's world is full of “what can we get next.” We’re constantly looking for the next challenge or the next thing that will make us happy. However, we enjoy life more when we slow down and enjoy the moments that we have now. Constantly thinking of the past or worrying about the future prevents us from seeing and enjoying our present moments.
“The world is an unpredictable place, and it is our job to protect it from the things that we cannot predict.” — Stewart Menzies (Mark String)
You know the quote: “Prevention is better than cure.” This quote shows the importance of being prepared for any situation and circumstances that may present themselves to us. This also highlights the role national security plays in various aspects of society. Alan worked in secret in Bletchley park and if their secret was revealed, all their efforts would have been in vain. On the basic level, it is important that we take proactive measures to protect ourselves and those around us.
“The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” — Alan turing
This speaks for itself. In society, we should learn empathy and treat others with kindness, especially those who are considered to be weak and vulnerable. It reminds us that the true value and measure in any society is not in how prosperous it is or how well advanced it is, but how well it treats its less fortunate members. Additionally, we can apply this in our personal lives and learn to treat those around us that are vulnerable or less fortunate with kindness. And before we judge someone, have empathy first. This will help us contribute to a better society.
Despite being a movie that showed us the life of Alan Turing during the second world war, ‘The Imitation game’ is a very thought-provoking movie that leaves us with insight into the challenges of being different, and how it affects the lives of people. It challenges us to be empathetic and to think about how we can create a more empathetic and kind world for all. With its dynamic and thrilling plot, The Imitation Game is a movie that has left and will leave a lasting impression on you, inspiring you to think about the importance of being true to yourself and how it is important to be there for others. This is what will make our society better.
