From discovering one’s identity to navigating power and ambition, here are our favourite quotes and accompanying lessons about time, business and life from some of this year’s biggest winners
The 81st Golden Globe Awards took place last week and it was no surprise that the favourite films and TV shows of many, like Oppenheimer and Succession, scored big that evening. While some of these productions presented sensationalised versions of reality, they were also peppered with valuable and powerful lessons about relationships, business, life and society.
In the spirit of celebrating greatness, we picked out our favourite quotes from this year’s biggest winners at the awards—Barbie, Oppenheimer, Poor Things, Beef and Succession—and our interpretation of each of them.
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“I am ‘Kenough’”—Ken
While not explicitly a quote from the famous doll himself, “I am ‘Kenough’” is the satisfying conclusion of Ken’s journey and introspection.
In the 2023 movie, when Barbie left Barbie Land to discover the real world and her story, Ken also embarked on a journey of his own to discover who he is separate from his “long-term, long-distance, low-commitment casual girlfriend”. The character, played by Ryan Gosling, comes to realise that he is more than an accessory to Barbie—and the words ‘I Am Kenough’, which are seen on a sweatshirt worn by Gosling in the movie, is a reminder to both the doll and us humans that we are all unique individuals with our own personalities and merits.
As Barbie wisely told Ken (and another great quote from the movie): “You are not your house or your girlfriend or your job. Maybe all the things that you thought made you, you aren’t really you.”
Aside from the central plot of existentialism, toxic masculinity and empowerment, Barbie the movie is also a lesson in self-discovery and leadership. The movie took home the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement in Motion Pictures at the Golden Globes.
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