The Philosophy of John Wick: What We Can Learn from the Character

John Wick is a character that has captivated audiences with his complex personality and his unique approach to life. He is not just a hitman seeking revenge; he is a man on a mission to find redemption and to make amends for his past mistakes. Through his actions and words, John Wick teaches us valuable lessons about loyalty, perseverance, and redemption that we can apply to our own lives.

Loyalty: The Power of Love and Devotion

One of the most prominent aspects of John Wick’s character is his unwavering loyalty to his wife and his dog. In the first movie, we see that John Wick’s wife, Helen, was the one who helped him leave the criminal underworld and start a new life. When Helen dies of an illness, she leaves John a final gift – a dog named Daisy – to help him cope with his grief.

When the Russian mobsters break into John’s house, steal his car, and kill Daisy, John’s loyalty to his wife and his dog is triggered. He embarks on a mission to avenge their deaths and to restore his sense of purpose. John’s loyalty teaches us that we should always honor our commitments and protect those we care about, no matter the cost.

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Perseverance: Overcoming Adversity and Never Giving Up

John Wick’s journey is not an easy one. He faces numerous challenges, including physical and emotional pain, loss, and betrayal. But he never gives up. He endures the pain and keeps fighting until he achieves his goal.

One example of John’s perseverance is the scene in which he fights his way out of the nightclub in the first movie. He is outnumbered and outgunned, but he keeps going, using his skills and his wits to survive. John’s perseverance teaches us that we can overcome any obstacle if we have the courage and determination to keep fighting.

Honor: Living by a Code of Ethics and Principles

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John Wick operates by a strict code of honor that guides his actions and decisions. He values loyalty, respect, and justice above all else, and he expects the same from others. He shows us that our integrity and principles define who we are and that we should never compromise them for personal gain.

One example of John’s honor is the scene in which he confronts Viggo, the head of the Russian mafia, about breaking the rules of the criminal underworld. John tells Viggo that “the rules were there to protect you,” and that by breaking them, Viggo put himself and his family in danger. John’s honor teaches us that our actions have consequences and that we should always live by a code of ethics and principles that reflect our values.

Self-Discipline: Mastering our Skills and Focusing on our Goals

John Wick’s success as a hitman is due to his rigorous training and discipline. He shows us that we can achieve greatness by mastering our skills, focusing on our goals, and practicing self-control. One example of John’s self-discipline is the scene in which he prepares for his final battle with Viggo. He meditates, sharpens his weapons, and puts on his suit, preparing himself mentally and physically for the challenge ahead.

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Redemption: Making Amends for our Mistakes and Finding Peace

John Wick’s journey is not just about revenge; it’s also about redemption. He seeks to make amends for his past mistakes and to find peace with himself. He teaches us that it’s never too late to change, to make things right, and to start a new chapter in our lives.

One example of John’s redemption is the scene in which he meets with Winston, the owner of the Continental Hotel, after completing his mission of avenging his wife and dog’s deaths. Winston offers John the opportunity to continue living as an assassin and offers him a new start, but John refuses. He tells Winston that he is done and that he wants to find peace. John’s redemption teaches us that we should take responsibility for our actions, make amends for our mistakes, and strive to be better.

Conclusion

John Wick’s character is more than just a skilled hitman seeking revenge. He embodies important values and principles that we can learn from, such as loyalty, perseverance, honor, self-discipline, and redemption. Through his actions and words, John teaches us that we can overcome adversity, live by a code of ethics, and find peace with ourselves. We can apply these lessons to our own lives and become better versions of ourselves.

John Wick: Chapter 4 Now in Theaters

Image reference: koimoi.com

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