I recently watched “Awakening” a movie based on the true story of Dr Oliver Sacks, the role playing character is Dr Sayer, actually I watched it second time. I got temptation to write about the crux and theme of the movie, I am sharing my thoughts with those who want to rethink the reality, spirit, human with meaning and purpose, core of human existence.
What we do know is that, as the chemical window closed, another awakening took place; that the human spirit is more powerful than any drug – and THAT is what needs to be nourished: with work, play, friendship, family. THESE are the things that matter. This is what we’d forgotten – the simplest things.”
Dr. Sayer’s words in Awakenings capture a profound truth that extends beyond medicine and into the core of human existence. In this statement, he acknowledges that while science and medicine can provide breakthroughs, they are not the ultimate source of what makes life meaningful. There is something deeper, something intangible, that gives life its richness and value. This is the human spirit. It is not merely an abstract idea but a very real force that sustains individuals through hardship, drives them toward discovery, and connects them to one another.
The human spirit is difficult to define because it is not a physical entity. It is not something that can be measured like a heartbeat or a brainwave. It is the part of a person that seeks meaning, experiences joy, and persists in the face of suffering. It is what makes a person want to wake up in the morning and strive toward something greater than themselves. Dr. Sayer’s realization is that true healing does not come only from medical treatments but from nourishing this inner force.
In Awakenings, patients who had been catatonic for decades were temporarily “awakened” by a drug called L-Dopa. For a brief period, they experienced the fullness of life again—moving, speaking, laughing, and reconnecting with the world around them. But this miracle did not last. As the effects of the drug wore off, the patients regressed. Their return to immobility and silence was heartbreaking, but it also revealed something profound. Even though their physical condition could not be permanently changed, their brief awakening showed that life is not just about physical health. It is about the moments of connection, love, and joy that give it meaning.
Dr. Sayer’s statement suggests that we often forget the simple things that truly nourish the human spirit. In modern life, people chase success, wealth, and technological advancements, believing these things will bring fulfillment. However, as many discover, external achievements alone do not satisfy the deeper needs of the soul. What truly matters are the fundamental aspects of life: meaningful work, the joy of play, deep friendships, and the love of family. These are the things that sustain the spirit and give life purpose.
The power of the human spirit is evident in the ability to endure suffering and continue forward despite obstacles. History is filled with stories of individuals who faced unimaginable hardship yet refused to be broken. People like Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison but emerged with a vision of unity rather than revenge, or Helen Keller, who, despite being blind and deaf, became a symbol of intelligence and resilience, show that the human spirit is stronger than any physical limitation. Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, wrote in Man’s Search for Meaning that even in the worst conditions, those who found meaning in their suffering were able to endure. This suggests that the human spirit is not simply about survival—it is about the capacity to create meaning even in the darkest times.
If the human spirit is so powerful, where does it come from? Some argue that it is purely an emergent property of the brain, a byproduct of neurological processes. In this view, consciousness and the sense of self arise from the complex interactions of neurons. But this explanation feels incomplete. The human spirit does not merely process information like a computer; it longs, dreams, and reaches beyond itself. It experiences awe when looking at a sunset, love when holding a child, and a deep yearning when contemplating the mysteries of existence. It is not just a product of the mind but something greater, something that cannot be reduced to mere biology.
Others believe that the human spirit is part of a larger, universal consciousness. Some religious and philosophical traditions suggest that it is connected to a divine source, while others see it as a shared energy that transcends individual existence. Carl Jung’s idea of the collective unconscious suggests that human beings share deep, universal experiences that shape their thoughts and emotions. This could explain why certain themes—love, sacrifice, heroism—appear in myths and stories across all cultures. Whether one sees the human spirit as biological, metaphysical, or something in between, its impact on human life is undeniable.
One of the most interesting aspects of the human spirit is its ability to transcend immediate physical needs and seek something beyond mere survival. Unlike other animals, humans do not just live to eat, reproduce, and avoid danger. They create art, compose music, write poetry, and explore the universe. The human spirit seeks beauty, knowledge, and meaning, even when these pursuits do not provide direct survival benefits. Why do people climb mountains, risking their lives to reach the summit? Why do they write novels that take years to complete, with no guarantee of success? Why do they dedicate themselves to causes greater than themselves? These are not logical, survival-based decisions; they are expressions of something deeper.
This search for meaning is at the heart of what it means to be human. When people lack purpose, they feel lost, even if they have everything they need materially. Depression, anxiety, and existential dread often arise not from physical suffering but from a lack of meaning. This is why Dr. Sayer’s insight is so important. He recognizes that nourishing the human spirit requires more than medical treatment—it requires engagement with life. Work, play, friendship, and family are not just pleasant distractions; they are essential to well-being.
Work gives a sense of purpose. It is not just about earning a living but about contributing to something greater. When people find meaningful work, they feel fulfilled, even if it is difficult. Play is just as important. Children instinctively understand the value of play—it is how they explore the world, connect with others, and express themselves. As adults, many forget this, replacing joy with stress and responsibility. But play—whether through hobbies, sports, music, or creative expression—keeps the spirit alive.
Friendship and family are the deepest sources of nourishment for the spirit. Humans are social creatures, and isolation can be devastating. Studies show that strong relationships improve both mental and physical health. Love, laughter, and shared experiences create a sense of belonging and meaning. Even in the worst circumstances, the presence of a loved one can make suffering bearable.
The idea that the spirit must be nourished is not just a philosophical concept—it has practical implications. If people neglect their spirit, they may find themselves feeling empty, no matter how much they achieve externally. This is why burnout is so common in modern society. People push themselves to succeed, sacrificing rest, relationships, and joy, only to find themselves exhausted and disconnected. Nourishing the spirit means making time for what truly matters—connecting with loved ones, engaging in meaningful work, embracing creativity, and allowing moments of play and wonder.
Dr. Sayer’s realization in Awakenings is a lesson for everyone. It is a reminder that while science and medicine are valuable, they are not enough on their own. Human beings are not just biological machines; they are creatures of meaning, longing, and connection. The true essence of life is found in the simplest things—the warmth of a hug, the laughter of a friend, the feeling of accomplishment after a day of hard work, the beauty of a sunset. These are the things that nourish the spirit and make life worth living.
The challenge is to remember this in daily life. It is easy to become distracted by responsibilities, worries, and ambitions, forgetting that the most important things are often the simplest. But if people take the time to nurture their spirit—through love, joy, purpose, and connection—they will find that they are not just existing but truly living. The human spirit is more powerful than any drug, and in the end, it is what gives life its deepest meaning.