Anyone who has ever seen the movie Forrest Gump has likely been inspired or encouraged by the characters in the film. The profound insight into life and all of its complications, catch us off our guard, and strengthen our relationships with our characters even more. We fight for Gump as he selflessly serves and purses his love, Jenny, and risks his life for his friends. He proves that rejection is inevitable in relationships, but is a great example of “the bigger person.” He consistently looks for the good in everyone, forgives their past and even continuing transgressions against him. The influence Gump has on the people he crosses paths with is long-lasting.

1. "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get."

I'm not sure I've ever heard anything more true in a movie. Maybe you're thinking that's the cheesiest thing you've ever heard, but how many times have you found this to be true of your life? We almost always have expectations set for everything. Everything except all of the events that we did not plan for. Expectations and goals are good to have, but understanding that life is going to throw surprises at us is important.

2. "There's an awful lot you can tell about a person by their shoes. Where they going, where they been."

Forrest may not be a genius according to most people's standards, but remember, it was never important to be like most people. Therefore, the standards of most people were not of any importance to him. Regardless, he definitely had a deeper and more meaningful understanding of life compared to most people.

3. "You're no different than anyone else is."

One might argue that Mrs. Gump was always more of a proponent for collectivist culture than individualistic culture than any other person in the movie. But who wouldn't want their child to have equal opportunity?

4. "Stupid is a stupid does."

Basically, actions are everything. Stupid has absolutely nothing to do with head knowledge. As Forrest Gump shows us, it was not smarts that made him a likable and dependable person. Instead, it was his attitude and faithfulness.

5. "Miracles happen every day. Some people don't think so, but they do."

I am not sure about you, but regardless of your religious views, Forrest Gump sure does make a pretty convincing case for miracles. If anybody had a reason to complain, one might argue that it was Forrest. After all, he was bullied as a kid, as a teenager, and even in college. His IQ score was 75, and his back was as crooked as a question mark. He lost his best friend in the war, and his favorite girl was always slipping out of his reach. And yet, despite these series of events, he found the good in every day and helped others appreciate that same good too.

6. "The best thing about meeting the president of the United States is the food."

Tip: If you are ever invited to the White House and dine with the president, be sure to take up their offer and indulge in the meal! And if it doesn't meet your expectations, remember to remind the president of Forrest Gump's exemplary experience.

7. "You're a godd*** genius."

And don't you forget it!

8. You can't find best good friends just around the corner.

Best good friend. Now there is a person that some people can go their entire lives without finding.

9. "Never take your eye off the ball."

If you never take your eyes off the ball, you might lose an opportunity. And the opportunities are endless. You are more likely to achieve your goals, and who knows, maybe you will become a famous ping-pong player.

10. "I guess some things never change. He [Lieutenant Dan] didn't want to be called crippled just like I didn't want to be called stupid."

Even if you're the nicest person in the world, and are the nicest to other people, no one enjoys being called names.