10 Valuable Life Lessons I learned from Game of Thrones
2. Be prepared for the worst as “Winter is coming”
“Game of Thrones” is one of the most popular shows on television. It is also one of the darkest and most violent. But despite its brutality, the show is full of valuable life lessons.
Since its first episode aired in 2011, I have been fascinated and moved by the Emmy-award-winning television show Game of Thrones.
Watching the characters weave their way through numerous obstacles and scenarios, I have emerged with ten powerful life lessons that have helped me on my journey toward more tremendous success in both personal and professional realms.
Here are the ten valuable life lessons I learned from Game of Thrones:
1. Don’t get attached to anyone or anything
This simple truth applies to all facets of life, from friendships and relationships to pursuits and ambitions.
Watching the show, Game of Thrones, I learned that it is important not to become too attached to others or anything.
Through this lesson, I discovered that attaching myself emotionally and passionately to anything often leads to disappointment and pain.
As the show progresses and key characters are killed off one by one, viewers get a hard lesson on attachment aversion.
Although moments of hope exist amongst the show’s despair, learning to be unattached can help one begin their life anew with a sense of purpose no matter how much pain or struggle may come up in life’s journey.
Readers of this should take comfort in knowing that although it hurts at times not to become too attached, it is still better than then feeling the inevitable heartache that comes with emotional attachment.
2. Be prepared for the worst as “Winter is coming”
In the epic series Games of Thrones, the Stark family mantra “Winter is Coming” serves as a lesson to be prepared for whatever life may throw our way.
As one of the protagonists, Ned Stark teaches his children that they should always stay alert and ready for unforeseen danger. This lesson applies to our everyday lives as well.
We should always be prepared for potential hazards and strive to persevere through any obstacles that come our way.
Despite the inevitable sense of doom in Game of Thrones, Ned’s optimism will inspire readers to remain hopeful even when things seem bleak because he taught us that we are capable of overcoming anything with determination and resilience.
3. To defeat your enemies, know them first
This holds true in every aspect of life, whether it be business, relationships, or even a game of virtual thrones!
When Cersei Lannister decided to obliterate King’s Landing rather than give in to Daenerys Targaryen’s demands, it was her understanding of her enemy’s vulnerabilities that made the destruction possible.
By recognizing the passionate bond between Jon Snow and Daenerys for example, Cersei knew she could ultimately win the battle with one fiery blast.
Although it was an extremely devastating move, it also proves that knowledge is power- learn from your enemies to gain a leg up over them!
4. Surround yourself with the right people
Over the years, I’ve found that who you surround yourself with plays an integral part in how successful and fulfilled you feel.
In Game of Throne’s world of Westeros, this lesson is exemplified time and time again. King Aerys Targaryen was surrounded by people eager to exploit his weaknesses for personal gain; ultimately leading to a catastrophic fall for Westeros’ monarchy.
On the flip side, characters such as Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen often sought out the advice and guidance of close allies like Tyrion Lannister or Jorah Mormont who encouraged them to use their heads when making important decisions and made sure their virtues weren’t abused in the process.
It’s clear that whether it’s Westeros or your own life, surrounding yourself with the right people is essential.
One should take this message from Game of Thrones seriously as it provides a valuable lesson that can result in significant change if properly implemented into one’s life.
5. Never give up even if there is no hope
One instance of this is when Daenerys Targaryen was surrounded by her enemies. When all appeared lost, Daenerys declared, “I will take what is mine with fire and blood.”
This moment exemplifies the importance of never giving up, especially when things seem the most challenging. Rather than allowing what some may perceive as defeat, readers should learn from Daenerys that perseverance pays off in the end.
With tenacity and courage, people can accomplish what was once thought impossible — a valuable life lesson that transcends beyond entertainment alone.
6. There is no such thing as a true “hero”
In life, there is no such thing as a true “hero”. Everyone has their struggles and motivations that may be particularly difficult to empathize with.
As we followed the main characters throughout the story, it became evident; no one is perfect.
Even major protagonists like Jon Snow were unheroic and flawed at times, like when he failed to forgive Daenerys for her brutality and chose pragmatism over sentimentality.
This nuance demonstrates beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is no such thing as a true “hero.”
Through villains and heroes alike, the show illustrates an important message or readers to consider: nobility will never be attained through perfection or unflinching moral standards, but rather through mistakes and understanding one another’s misunderstandings.
7. Power and greed can corrupt anyone
Game of Thrones is the perfect example of how power and greed can have a debilitating effect on anyone. Stemming from Cersei Lannister’s mantra, “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die,” it is well illustrated in the series.
From her brother Jaime Lannister, whose quest for power clouded his moral compass completely, to Daenerys Targaryen, who was brought down by her ambition, we can see that even those with an iron will are not impervious to their deterioration.
The lesson here is something readers should take to heart: unchecked ambition can be one’s downfall.
In this regard, Game of Thrones serves as an important warning to us all — be cognizant of your path and try your best not to become overwhelmed by your desire to succeed.
8. Vengeance can be a powerful motivator
Vengeance, when used as a tool of justice, can be incredibly powerful.
I learned this lesson first-hand while watching the popular show Game of Thrones. One particular instance that stands out is when Arya stark the youngest daughter of Eddard Stark has her family brutally killed in a single night by the orders of The King.
Despite years passing, she never waivered and ultimately exacted her revenge on all who wronged her and her family, resulting in an immense feeling of satisfaction for viewers.
This was just one example of how effective vengeance can be a motivator in taking action and inspiring its readers to take control and make change happen if they feel something is unjust — no matter how long it takes.
9. Family is the most important thing in life
The show clearly demonstrated the idea that family is the most significant thing in life.
Whether it was Sansa Stark’s undying loyalty to her siblings or Jaime Lannister risking his own life for Cercei and their unborn child, family always came first.
In an especially telling scene, the dialogue between Jon Snow and Ramsay Bolton is a powerful testament to the importance of not only appreciating your family members but also fighting for them.
By watching this show and its meaningful lessons, readers should learn to prioritize family in their daily lives and be grateful for what they have.
10. Life is full of choices — make the right ones
When I think back on the Game of Thrones series, one of the biggest lessons I learned was that it’s important to make good choices in life.
Whether it be something small or large, every decision we make can have an impact on our future.
In Game of Thrones, Ned Stark had an opportunity to choose how he wanted to play the game of thrones — but unfortunately, his “honorable” choice is what eventually cost him his life.
His famous quote, “The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword,” captures this perfectly and reminds readers to consider not just their own interests, but also those of others when making decisions in life.
Therefore, we must remember that our choices always come with consequences and if we want to move forward with success and happiness in our lives, it’s important that we make good choices — something Ned Stark ultimately made us painfully aware of.
Conclusion
The popular television series Game of Thrones provides readers with valuable life lessons that can be applied to their own lives.
Whether it is the importance of family, making good choices, or being aware of the consequences of one’s actions, this show leaves a lasting impression.
In addition to entertainment value, I believe that these messages are essential for people to learn and understand as they navigate through the complexities of life.
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