How Walt Disney changed the world

Walt Disney turned out to be a world changer (source: D23.com)

Walt Disney changed the world. It’s true.

Imagine if he had never done what he’s done — there would be no Mickey Mouse, no Disney World, no The Lion King. Our culture would be so different. Our childhoods would be different childhoods. You wouldn’t know what “Let It Go” is.

It’s amazing how one person can affect so many people. We’re going to look at the specific characteristics that helped Mr. Disney change our worlds. As you read each point, think about how crazy it is that his decisions impacted you.

Big dreamer

This is the most important one. If Disney had no dreams, we would have no Disney.

Here are some of his quotes about dreaming big:

• “First, think. Second, believe. Third, dream. And finally, dare.”
• “If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember that this whole thing was started by a mouse.”
• “All of our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

Keep on keepin’ on

Disney persevered. He never gave up. Even through difficult life situations, he kept on going. And he knew not to sugar-coat the tough parts of life — those are what make you stronger. And here’s what he’s learned from it all:

• “The difference in winning and losing is most often…not quitting.”
• “In bad times and in good, I’ve never lost my zest for life.”
• “Life is composed of life and shadows, and we would be untruthful, insincere, and saccharine if we tried to pretend there were no shadows.”

Family matters

When you get to the end of your life, what do you think would be more likely: that you regret working so much, or that you regret spending too much time with your family?

Disney knew that investing in your family is one of the most important things in life. Even though he was a driven cartoonist, businessman, and company founder, he kept his family at the forefront of his life. He especially found a lot of value in children. Here’s what he had to say about kids and family:

• “That’s the real problem with the world. Too many people grow up.”
• “Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children.”
• “Adults are only kids grown up, anyway.”

Money does not rule

Money is just paper (or numbers on a screen, depending on what time period you live in). It is not the be-all-end-all. Disney knew this too: 

• “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates’ loot on Treasure Island.”
• “Money doesn’t excite me — my ideas excite me.”

Have fun

This might be the most important one. Have fun, no matter what your job is or how stressed you are. You still need to find a way to make things fun. As Disney said once, “Most of my life I have done what I wanted to do. I have had fun on the job.”

Disney had a great mind. He was one-of-a-kind person, and we should all be thankful that he walked the earth.

“Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, dreams are forever,” he said.