In 1991, Billy Crystal starred in a mid-life crisis comedy called "City Slickers." This film, though outrageous and often off-color, contains a profound statement about the meaning of life that has stuck with me to this day. The basic premise of the movie is that Crystal’s character, Mitch Robbins, as well as his two long-time buddies, are not content with their Manhattan, nine-to-five, boring lives. With his 40th birthday drawing near, Mitch and his two friends embark on cattle drive in the southwest of the United States, led by a rough and aged cowboy named Curly. While on this trip, Mitch questions his life back in Manhattan and wonders about his own identity. It is during one of these moments of internal questioning that the film’s comment about the meaning of life is presented through a conversation between Mitch and Curly. Here is the link to the thirty-second clip (sorry for the language).
For those who were unable to watch the clip, the conversation goes something like this: Curly asks Mitch if he knows the secret to life. Mitch responds that he does not. Curly holds up one finger and states, “This.” Mitch asks,
“Your finger?” Curly responds,
“One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that and everything else don’t mean sh*t.”
“That’s great, but what’s the one thing?”
“That’s what you’ve gotta figure out.”
Thus the concept of the One Thing was introduced to me.
Over the years, I have questioned the validity of Curly’s statement: “Just one thing. You stick to that and everything else don’t mean sh*t.” Because of its ambiguity, poor grammar, and general romanticism, I find it hard to take Curly’s statement too seriously today, but it definitely got me thinking about the “secret to life” and whether or not there is “just one thing” to “stick to.” I would like to outline some of my current thoughts on the One Thing.
If there is, indeed, just one thing that we can stick to so that everything else is meaningless, it must be broad enough to apply to everyone, but specific enough to be meaningful to individuals on an everyday level. Also, if we follow Curly’s belief system, the One Thing could be different for everyone. But what can satisfy all these criteria? The best answer I can come up with is that of a sense of purpose. If you believe that humans exist for a purpose, then this idea is broad enough to apply to everyone, specific enough to be meaningful to the individual, and still allows for individual differences between each person. The value of Curly’s statement resides not in a list of rules, religious principles, or moral teachings, but in what it points us toward: a better understanding of ourselves and the reason we are on earth. Now, by examining yourself, you may come to realize that a list of rules, religious principles, or moral teachings may be helpful for living in the light of your own purpose, but they are not necessarily needed.
Let it be noted, I am not attempting to explain to "everyone" how to find their own one thing. I am merely suggesting that an examination of the self, with an eye towards a possible One Thing can really provide clarity for some people.
In the end of the film, if I remember correctly, Mitch realizes that what he has been missing is an appreciation of his family life. He goes back to Manhattan and is happy once again. Curly’s advice and example helped him to accept himself for who he was by prodding him toward understanding his own purpose, and consequently appreciating what he was given. Everyone can learn from understanding one’s own purpose, but, like Curly said, it is on you to discover yours.
