On August 12, 1939, MGM Studios premiered The Wizard of Oz based on L. Frank Baum’s classic novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Over 75 years later, it is still one of the most beloved and watched movies of all time. It is my personal favorite movie of all time.
Even though the movie is still very entertaining after all these years, I believe it has endured as a classic because of all the life lessons it teaches. If you are familiar with the movie, I think you will agree with these 7 life lessons.
1 – There’s no place like home.
I think this is the theme of the movie. Dorothy was running away when she got caught in the tornado that sent her to Oz. And the rest of the movie is her attempt to get back home. Home is not necessarily a place. Home is wherever the people you love are. Among those who love you and accept you is the most wonderful place on earth. There’s nothing like it.
2 – You need friends to make it.
None of the four characters (Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, & Cowardly Lion) would have succeeded on their own. They needed help from their friends – a drop of oil, getting out of the cornfield, a pat on the back, or a hand to hold. Especially when the going gets tough, stick together. People come and go in your life, but true friends are forever.
3 – Dream big.
My favorite part of the movie is when Dorothy sings ‘Somewhere over the rainbow.’ There’s no song like that. Dorothy dreamed of a world that was different than the one she lived in. Her black and white world was mundane – but she wanted something different. Most times, your dream is closer than you think. Not just Dorothy, but all the other characters wanted something more as well: The Scarecrow wanted brains, the Tin Man wanted a heart, and the Cowardly Lion wanted courage. But, like you, they already had all they needed. And like you, you just need someone to remind you once in a while that you can do it.
4 – Follow your dream (Yellow Brick Road)
You need to discover what it is that God wants you to do. Often it is right in front of you. But stick with it. It will lead you to God’s greatest blessings. Your ‘yellow brick road’ isn’t all smooth and straight. You will encounter obstacles, hazards, and detours. So keep going.
5 – Don’t give up your principles.
Dorothy refused to give up her ruby slippers. The Wicked Witch wanted them so bad, but she never got them. When someone tries to make you do something you know you shouldn’t, stick to your stuff. Never give in.
6 – Don’t hide who you are.
One of the famous lines in the movie is, “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.” The wizard was not a wizard at all. He had no super powers. But he hid behind the curtain while turning levers to present a fantastic sound, light, and fire show to impress people. Maybe he thought people would reject him if they knew who he really was. But it’s important to be who you are.
7 – Real courage is facing your fears.
The Cowardly Lion is the last of the four friends to learn his lesson. As they approach the Wizard, he gets enough courage to stand before him. Whatever it is that you are afraid of, stand up to it.
Can you think of other life lessons from Wizard of Oz?
You can read some of my other articles about movies: Star Wars, Superman, The Lone Ranger.