The Matrix turns 25. There is no spoon.
Forgive me for running a few days behind this week. I know you were all waiting nervously on pens and pencils.
I was about two weeks early with my Matrix inspired rabbit from my Down the Rabbit Hole sketchnote. The Matrix movie just celebrated its 25th anniversary. The movie was released on March 31, 1999. It was a big year for movies in 1999, with other notable movies like Fight Club, The Green Mile, The Sixth Sense, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, and Toy Story 2, just to name a few.
The Matrix was a ground breaking movie in many ways. It combined action, groundbreaking visual effects, philosophy, and a compelling narrative into a movie that not only succeeded at the box office but continues to influence pop-culture today. There are even entire books dedicated to the philosophy of the movie.
The movie seems more relevant than ever, with AI invading many areas of our lives over the last year. Stop to consider that both the Oracle and Agent Smith are sentient AI programs in the Matrix. The movie can offer both warnings and hope for our future with AI. Before it gets too grim, remember, “there is no spoon.”
Another important message for me, after rewatching the movie this week, is the premise that Neo has to believe in himself in order to become the “one.” I think for creative people, this is an important concept to remember on the days when we struggle to push forward with our creative work. We may not be able to change the world around us, but we can change ourselves.
“Do not try and bend the spoon.
That’s impossible.
Instead, only try to realize the truth.
There is no spoon.”
- The Matrix
Be kind to yourself on your creative journey.
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