10 Lessons I Learned From Frank Underwood
Start writing a post
Entertainment

10 Lessons I Learned From Frank Underwood

"After all, we are nothing more or less than what we choose to reveal."

678
10 Lessons I Learned From Frank Underwood
The Studio Exec

First, let's establish that House of Cards is NOT about politics. Got it? OK, cool.

Second, on the surface, the show seems to run on manipulation, drama, lies, greed and deception. But once you dive a little deeper, you'll find many life lessons within that in one way or another everyone can relate or learn from the successes and mistakes of Frank and Claire Underwood.

Without further due, here are ten lessons we can all gain from Frank Underwood:

1. "If you don't like how the table is set, turn over the table."

Don’t just sit by while life passes you by. If you don't like the way things are going, then change it. Create your own luck and you’ll be better off for it. And that’s exactly what Frank does. Time and time again he shows how he is able to set the table and flip it just because he can to get him what he wants.


2. “Even Achilles was only as strong as his heel.”

During season two is when Frank's vulnerability and his ability to fear is exposed, which at the end of the day shows that he really is human. Never let your weakest point be your downfall. Whatever it may be, work at it so you’re not an easy target.

3. “Sometimes I think the Presidency is the illusion of choice."

Though everyone might think that they are the captain of their own ship, it’s really what blows the wind that tells you where you’re headed.The fight between predestination and free will is one that Frank battles with constantly. Even when he believes he is the one holding the reins, there are always outside forces pushing against him. But even then, he fights through whatever is put in front of him.

4. “There is no solace above or below. Only us—small, solitary, striving, battling one another. I pray to myself, for myself. “

Frank makes it clear that there is only one world: the one we all live in right now. When he looks for guidance, he gains it from himself and only himself. You have to admit that’s pretty bad-ass. As harsh as it may seem to some, Frank displays that you cannot find a stronger agency than the one that you find in yourself. You are in control of you and the end-result will fall under your responsibility.

5. “There’s no better way to overpower a trickle of doubt than with a flood of naked truth.”

When you don’t have an answer, be honest and find the right answer and be confident. The truth will always overpower doubt.

6. “Insecurity bores me.”

There's nothing more attractive than confidence and self-security. Confidence makes you appreciate the skills and faults you possess to use them to your advantage. It's very simple: would you rather be friends with someone who is consistently positive or who constantly needs your validation of their own worth?

7. "I never make such big decisions so long after sunset and so far from dawn.”

Let yourself "sleep on it" before making a monumental decision. Whether it is a new adventure, change in your lifestyle, or new business, it's never wise to commit to a decision without first giving thoughtful consideration of conceivable outcomes.

8. “Money is the McMansion in Sarasota that starts falling apart after 10 years. Power is the old stone building that stand for centuries.”

Power does not mean money, and money does not mean power. Power lasts as long as you cultivate and use it. Money simply doesn’t last. Without influence, your ability to overcome obstacles is useless.


9. “I love that woman, I love her more than sharks love blood.”

Love is not the word I would use to describe Frank and Claire’s marriage.They use each other to gain personal and professional goals.Whether it is the presidency or becoming a UN ambassador, the Underwood's will stop at nothing to get each other where they want to be. Through their relationship, we can learn that marriage does not necessarily mean love.


10. “Nobody showed up for his funeral except me, not even my mother,” says Frank. “But I’ll tell you this: When they bury me, it won’t be in my backyard. And when they pay their respects, they’ll have to wait in line.”

Behind the scenes, Frank is a ruthless tyrant, but he manages to keep moving up the ranks without severely damaging his public image. And you have to admire the man for keeping his reputation intact, right? Fake it until you make it.

.


At the end of the day, you'll either absolutely love Frank or hate him. Regardless of where you fall on the scale of devoutness, everyone can learn a thing or two from his character.




Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

62606
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

40993
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

961626
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

209555
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments