Most of us spend our entire lives in hiding
Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt plays Roy McBride in Ad Astra (2019)
What? Why?
During the film, Roy McBride travels aboard the spaceship Cepheus to the planet Mars. A distress signal is received from a Norwegian biomedical research space station en route. Captain Tanner insists they must investigate and asks the co-pilot to accompany him. The Co-pilot puts his head in his hands and chooses not to. This means that McBride must accompany the captain to the ship.
“Most of us spend our entire lives in hiding” refers to this scene. The Co-pilot has spent his life hiding in plain sight. Doing his job. Not doing more than his job. Not taking any chances.
You may have thought that the co-pilot of a spaceship would step up when needed. But at the point of most need, we realise that he is not willing or able to help. Fear has frozen him in his seat. Unable to help when called upon. Hiding.
Maybe the Co-pilot could see into the future because Captian Tanner pays a hefty price for not hiding. I’ll say no more. Watch the film. It’s Good.
The Context of the Quote
Ad Astra is a science fiction film that tells the story of an astronaut named Roy McBride, played by Brad Pitt. Roy embarks on a journey to find his father, who went missing during a mission to Neptune many years before. Along the way, he reflects on his own life and the choices he has made. The quote, “Most of us spend our entire lives in hiding,” comes from a monologue Roy delivers near the end of the film.
The Meaning of the Quote
At its core, Brad Pitt’s quote is a reflection on the fear that holds us back from truly living. Many of us hide our true selves, our desires, and our passions out of fear of rejection or failure. We play it safe, staying within our comfort zones and avoiding anything that might make us uncomfortable or vulnerable. But in doing so, we never fully embrace life and all it has to offer.
Breaking Free from Fear
So how do we break free from the fear that holds us back? It starts with acknowledging our fears and recognizing that they are a natural part of the human experience. Instead of letting fear control us, we can learn to confront it and move forward despite it. We can take small steps outside of our comfort zones, trying new things and embracing the discomfort that comes with growth. We can also surround ourselves with people who encourage and support us, helping us to stay accountable and motivated.
Living Life to the Fullest
Ultimately, Brad Pitt’s quote is a call to action, urging us to break free from the confines of fear and live life to the fullest. We only get one shot at this life, and it’s up to us to make the most of it. By embracing our true selves and pursuing our passions, we can find fulfilment and meaning in life.
