Lessons Learned from the Story of Seabiscuit

For those who have not read the book "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand or seen its 2003 movie adaption starring Toby Maquire, Seabiscuit was a racehorse who inspired hope in hearts of the depression plagued Americans during the late 30's. He was undersized and had crooked legs but despite this handicap became a champion racehorse and by the time of his retirement in 1940---Seabiscuit was horse racing's all time money winner.

 

All of us have our own handicaps to contend with but with the right values, hard work, determination, and the unwavering belief that life can be made better, we can rise from our difficulties.

As the Roman Emperor Hadrian said while building the Roman Empire, "Brick by brick my citizens, brick by brick." Success carries a hefty investment of blood, sweat, and tears. It is not handed to you on a silver platter for you to enjoy. I believe that the most fulfilling accomplishment is the one which you gave your best and most effort to. For an undersized horse like Seabiscuit, his anatomical measure obviously was not the source of his speed. The source of his speed was in his heart. As Charles Howard would comment, "Sometimes when the little guy doesn't know that he's a little guy, he can do great big things." This should be the same attitude we have in life. However bad the cards that we are dealt with in life, we are but a choice away from moving forward.

 

Sharing with you the quotes that would summarize the moral of Seabiscuit's story:

 

"Though he be little, he is fierce." (Red Pollard quoting Shakespeare)

 

"Sometimes, all somebody needs is a second chance." (Charles Howard)

 

"You don't throw a whole life a way because it's banged up a little bit." (Tom Smith)

 

"It's better to break a man's leg than his heart." (George Woolf)

 

"Everybody loses a couple. Either you pack up your things and go home or you keep fighting." (Charles Howard)

 

"For any man who have pride and ambition; if your dream is big enough and you have the guts to follow it, there is truly fortune to be made." (Charles Howard)

 

"Every horse is good for something." (Tom Smith)

 

"His (Seabiscuit) speed is not in his legs but in his heart." (Red Pollard)

 

Seabiscuit with Red Pollard.

 

Seabiscuit with owner Charles Howard.

 

 

Seabiscuit with Tom Smith.