Life Happens... Christopher Gardner

I was curious to learn more about Reich's Cultural Parables, the Triumphant Individual. From the example we were shown "The Pursuit of Happiness," I wanted to know more about Christopher Gardner the one who overcame adversity. There are many stories of those that over came trials in their life to get where they are now. Christopher Gardner is a perfect example of Reich's Cultural Parable. He worked hard to get where he is now and became a successful person in society.

This isn't a full video of his speech but gives some life examples of how he grew. You can click here to get a brief bio on his life.

The Triumphant Individual is the little guy who works hard, takes risks, believes in himself, and eventually earns wealth, fame, and honor. It's the parable of the self-made man (or, more recently, woman) who bucks the odds, spurns the naysayers, and shows what can be done with enough drive and guts. He's a loner and a maverick, true to himself, plain speaking, self-reliant, uncompromising in his ideals.

Gardner was determined to be successful in life but had to deal with the life challenges. He had to make the decision with every dollar that came into the house, have it to go to pay for rent or for parking tickets. He paid the rent. He was determined to live and to help support his family. The one and only time he had to serve time.

Gardner had to work hard and overcome the trials he faced while raising his boy. He is an excellent example of a triumphant individual. He took on the risks in life getting every opportunity to grow and strive to do his best. He obviously worked hard to get where he is now in the financial world and becoming a motivational speaker. He took the risk of surviving and doing all that he could for him and his boy.

Even though his ex never believed him he still put for the effort in becoming successful. He truly grew up and became a better man to his son and work.

The process premises in his speech are needs and emotions. Under the needs he gives his audience a reassurance of worth. You can still keep trying to work in life no matter your circumstances. He and his son were both homeless but he kept fighting to try and find a way to survive and provide. Anyone can accomplish anything it just depends on you whether you will try.

In his emotions he expresses some fear of what he had to go through. Hoping that no one has to go through what he had to and the hardship that he faced. Never quit and keep trying. Another emotion is, of course, happiness. The pursuit of happiness. Gardner doesn't specifically talk about it in this speech but if you have seen the movie you can see what challenges he faced and how he kept pushing until he was successful and gained that happiness.