If anyone has seen my twitter lately, or been in the passenger seat of my car the past few weeks, you will know I have a new obsession.

Hamilton.

The musical about Alexander Hamilton.

You know, that guy from US History that you learned about for a week and then promptly forgot because the way we teach people now a days is by dry, boring memorization for the sake of tests (upon tests).

I digress, that is a rant for a different post.

Hamilton is a now Broadway musical written and starring Lin-Manuel Miranda. You might also know him as the person behind In the Heights from a few years back. It's based on the biography by Ron Chernow which Miranda read on a long plane ride. He has described it as a story about America then preformed by America now. The cast is diverse, extremely talented, and they glow with pride at every note. As well they should. It's a phenomena that is, in fact, phenomenal.

Story short, I like it. There are layers and repetition in storytelling that make this show stand out, and in that I feel there are things we can take away which apply to our lives right now. A few words of advice from the past and present. I compiled a few below!

You Can Wait or You Can Act

 While our titular character is Alexander Hamilton himself, it is just as much the story of his rival Aaron Burr (sir). Hamilton's theme throughout the show is his fear of missing his shot at history. He is portrayed as a man of conviction and recklessness - the opposite of Aaron Burr.

Burr's first solo is a song called Wait for It. In it he explains how he knows there is a reason he is where he is and it will show itself eventually. So he waits. He is full of caution, hedging his bets so he can never be on the 'wrong side'. He lags behind, stagnant, lacking the courage to push forward.

You can wait for life to come to you, passively, or you can get up in its face and demand action. Make your own opportunities, there's no guarantee they will come find you.

Be Honest, But Not Cruel

If there is anything to say about the legacy of Alexander Hamilton, it's that he was a very straightforward person. He knew what he believed and he wasn't afraid to say it. In fact, he would probably tell you without you ever asking. And then also write up a pamphlet.

Hamilton's ability to speak freely and honestly is a large part of what helped him reach a top seat in the US government, with all that entailed. I feel like it's something I hesitate to do sometimes, for fear of judgment or being wrong. This hold me, holds us, back from really connecting with people who could better us and removing people who are toxic.

Yet, honesty can be a sharp sword. Hamilton broke his wife's heart by his willingness to bare any and all truths no matter the consequence. While I'm not saying Eliza did not deserve to know the truth, she certainly did, he did it is a needlessly cruel way that hurt her and rippled through their family. Do not purposefully hurt someone with the excuse of honesty. (Taylor Swift also has an excellent line about that.)

How You Are Remembered Is Defined By You - And Those Around You

You know you've thought about it. How will people remember you? What will you be known for?

Your actions make your history and your future. However, I am not just talking about the steps you take in your career or the physical changes you make to the world. While they play their part, how you interact with people, how you affect them or how your work affects them, is what truly shapes how you are remembered. Going through life not caring who you hurt will never be worth what you achieve. Don't be a villain, a jerk, a tyrant.

People are not perfect. We will not be beloved by everyone, but if you approach people with kindness and understanding, you may find people would rather be friends than foes. I have found amazing people, who I would have not had the opportunity to get to know if I was not open to it - to them. We are building things together, my dreams and their dreams. That makes a mark.


What can I say? Musicals speak to me. ;)