The Light of Life Burns

It's A Wonderful Life

This is without question of of the greatest films of all time, seen mostly around the Christmas holiday season.

There are a multitude of valuable lessons to be learned within the film, some noted in the following linked piece.

But there is much more to be learned, as outlined in a piece from Imprimis titled Frank Capra’s America and Ours. A quote from the writings of John Marini tackles the relativity from Capra's words and principles to those of America, and a man who shared them.

It is hard to think of a better way to describe Frank Capra’s view of the world, and America’s place in fulfilling its purpose, than to turn to another great American who made his living in the world of motion pictures. Ronald Reagan was a friend and admirer of Frank Capra. They were very much alike. The inscription that Reagan had carved on his tombstone could have been written by Capra: “I know in my heart that man is good. That what is right will always eventually triumph. And there is purpose and worth to each and every life.” Both Capra and Reagan looked to a benevolent and enduring Providence, and the best in man’s nature, as the ultimate grounds of political right. For them, as for Lincoln, America was more than a geographical location or a place where citizens shared a common blood or religion, or belonged to a common culture or tradition. America was a place where an enlightened understanding of “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God” had made it possible to establish those principles of civil and religious liberty that gave “purpose and worth to each and every life.”

One of the strongest statements within the film comes nearing the conclusion. It is very simple, but most meaningful:

"Remember no man is a failure who has friends."

Merry Christmas to you all!