This is a new series we’re introducing to you. It tells you about people, events, movies, TV shows, etc., that impacted our world in one way or another. In other words, a phenomenon.
Here are our first list of phenomenons for this week.
1. Serena Jameka Williams –
Her top grade tennis, characterized by heavy, crisp ground strokes and sterling movement is second only to her mental resolve, steely determination and razor focus. Arguably, the most dominant name in women’s tennis history (and that’s without factoring her stand-alone achievement of having amassed 60 million dollars in prize money), Serena Williams is a touchstone for those who waver in the pursuit of their dreams. The African-American phenomenon has encountered many a hurdle on her glorious path to continuing success, the latest milestone in which was her 19th grand slam title. Serena has bounced back multiple times from injuries, perceived lapses in form, even depression. Her life threatening injury which started with something as easy as a gash before mushrooming into multiple blood clots in her lungs instilled in her a renewed appreciation for her illustrious career. You can find more on her journey till the present day on Wikipedia.
2. Roger Federer –
A player like no other, Roger Federer is his own brand. His astounding dexterity coupled with the elegance and precision of his shot making have left long time tennis pundits and analysts befuddled on what book or routine he may have learned his skills from. Most of his current records are unparalleled. Having had two sets of twin girls and twin boys with wife, Mirka, it would seem that the hand of God is on him at all times, on and off the court. But, let’s not give all the credit to the creator. Delving into his life and journey, you are sure to find only the most amazing, awe-inspiring episodes, from the fateful day that he beat legend Pete Sampras in his court of choice through all his staggering accomplishments (17 grand slams included) to this day, where he still shows no signs of slowing down despite being well into his thirties. Follow his momentous journey on Wikipedia to turn the most feckless character into a go-getter.
3. The Lord of the Rings –
Possibly the greatest work of literary fiction, the Lord of the Rings brings out a message of vital importance that no matter how small a person is, that person can conquer the darkest, deepest, and most powerful of binds, be they people, situations or objects with sustained diligence, a bit of support from good-will and close bonds of friendship and camaraderie. The brilliance of the visual effects, the endearing characters and enchanting mythical, humble, yet flamboyant entities, each with detailed personalities, compliment the soul-stirring narrative unimaginably well. Indulge in this emotionally powerful, dynamic and enriching cinematic experience without exercising any amount of restraint until the climax forces tears out of the most hardened of viewers. It screams inspiration like little else does.
4. The Dark knight trilogy –
A new approach to bringing out several important messages – one, that no matter how bad it may same, humanity is not a lost cause and second, that anyone can be a hero if that person seizes the moment. The narrative does not get an obvious moral slant; rather it uses the ideals of high society and high living and takes a more meandering route to exposing how terribly power, corruption and greed can distort life’s picture and that it is your choices, not your thoughts that define you. You can draw massive amounts of inspiration by following the trajectory or course of the plot, the characters, analyzing its structure until its eventual epilogue. Pick up a DVD this instant if you haven’t seen it.
5. September 11 attacks –
A series of four coordinated attacks that cost nearly 3000 lives and resulted in $10 billion worth of damage to infrastructure, the collapse of the world trade centre and a section of the pentagon (The HQ of the Department of Defense) included. They were suicide attacks, carried out by terrorist group, Al-Qaida that ended in the death of 343 firefighters and 72 law enforcement officials, the deadliest ever recorded. Since the attacks, security measures have been amped up so significantly that there hasn’t since been a single external terrorist attack on the United States. You can read all about it on the Wikipedia.
6. F.R.I.E.N.D.S –
Possibly the most loved sitcom in all of television history, the iconic show chronicles the whimsical and comical journey of six best friends that illuminates all wises of unsteady turns a person’s life can take emphasizing that humor, joy and fulfillment can be found in any life circumstance. If you haven’t watched it, please, PLEASE, don’t tell ANYONE.
7. Malala Yousafzai –
A Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate, she is known mainly for human rights advocacy for education and for women in her native Swat Valley in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of northwest Pakistan, where the local Taliban had at times banned girls from attending school, imposing extreme punishments on people who attempted to contravene, I’ll add. Yousafzai’s advocacy has since grown into an international movement. Read all about it on the internet.
8. Steve Jobs –
A visionary who could practically predict what the next big thing would be. It isn’t just the journey of his life around Apple that surprises me; it’s the numerous downhills and uphills that he experienced as a person which inspires people. Being thrown out of the company he started, starting a couple of other companies (Pixar and NeXT) and taking control again. These weren’t just tales of bravery; this was legacy. The father of the modern commercial technology industry was not only a cold, manipulative person; He was a legend.
There’s an entire article dedicated to Steve Jobs here on our blog. We wrote it 3 years post his death. Do check it out – Steve Jobs | The legacy he left behind
9. JK Rowling–
A classic rags to riches story. From someone who fought to make ends meet, Rowling became a billionaire in five years. Not to mention, her fictional series, Harry Potter is some of the best inspiration you can find. Read all about her serendipitous journey on the Wikipedia.
10. Mother Teresa –
Very few people can say that they put it all on the line for unhindered, absolutely self-less service to mankind. She travelled from a developed nation to a country that despite its remarkable progress over the years could still be seen as a disadvantaged country in many regards, India. She devoted her life to this highly undervalued principle and philosophy in life. Read all about her moving tale wherever you can find the information.
So, that’s it for this installment, the first installment in the series. We will continue to bring you guys more on this. Sound off in the comments below and feel free to share your own life experiences.