The Pursuit of Happyness

If Dale Carnegie (How to Win Friends and Influence People) had made a film, it would have been like this.

Judging by its IMDB rating and reviews and awards, many people really liked this homage to the American Dream.

Myself, I thought it rather one-dimensional. A bit like a very long episode of The Apprentice, but with the focus on just one competitor and knowing he was going to be the winner.

However, let's try to take some positives (as I am sure Chris Gardner, on whole life the film is based, would).

1) Don't despair - even the best of lives may have some very hard times

2) Work very hard at what you are good at and you will succeed

3) Take risks, follow your dreams

Of course Gardner succeeds not just because he has Carnegie like optimism and courage, but because he is actually very bright and talented. So I'd like to add another, rather important lesson

4) Know your own talents and strengths. Don't aim low just because that's what others expect, but don't aim for things that don't match your own character and potential.