The Big Bang Theory follows a group of eccentric and nerdy scientists, none more peculiar than Sheldon Cooper. The breakout character of the show, Sheldon is notorious for his numerous idiosyncrasies, stubborn ways, excessive pride, and difficulty dealing with change.
However, Sheldon's arc is an example of growth, and his storylines throughout the show's twelve seasons can teach audiences valuable life lessons. He might not always deal with life's difficulties appropriately, but Sheldon remains a compelling figure with much wisdom to share. And if there's one thing he loves, it's sharing his wisdom with others.
Change Isn't Always Bad
"Change is never fine. They say it is, but it's not." During the show's early seasons, Sheldon detests change and actively rejects it. He spends the rest of the series dealing with it, understanding he can't stop it. Sheldon still has issues with it, but he gradually learns to accept it as one of life's inevitabilities.
Sheldon does a lot of maturing throughout The Big Bang Theory, and his attitude towards change proves it. Like him, fans should learn that change can be good, even if it initially doesn't seem that way. Life isn't static, and the sooner people understand it, the better off they'll be.
Things Aren't Always As We
Sheldon loves to tell tales about his childhood in rural Texas. He paints a somewhat bleak scenario, presenting himself as a genius surrounded by idiots, including his family. Sheldon also portrays his father as a raging drunk who had a chaotic and abusive relationship with his mother, Mary, on whom he cheated with another woman.
However, Young Sheldon presents a very different take on Sheldon's childhood. Contrary to Sheldon's tellings, George Sr. is a loving, dedicated, responsible father who always puts his family first. Sheldon's memories might not be necessarily wrong, but his recollections don't match reality. Every person will see things from their unique perspective, but human interaction is more complex. It's important that people are always willing to see things from others' POV to find the nuance in every situation.
Friendship Can Hide In The Most Unexpected Places
Penny and Sheldon have the best friendship in The Big Bang Theory. It's quite impressive that two people as different as they could form such a strong and enduring bond, but the series does a perfect job showing how they find common ground and learn to accept and embrace each other's peculiarities.
Friendship is one of life's greatest joys, and it doesn't always come from familiar places. Indeed, a person can form a genuine bond with someone whom they have little in common with, and that's okay. The best thing about being friends with someone is learning about them and perhaps even acquiring a new perspective on life.
Safety First!
Sheldon is notoriously obsessive with safety. At one point, he covers his apartment with fluorescent arrows pointing to the nearest exits before getting rid of them after realizing they're "wildly carcinogenic." After he gets robbed, he goes so far as to leave Pasadena for the supposedly safer Bozeman, Montana, only to get mugged as soon as he arrives.
He might take things to the extreme, but his constant preoccupation with safety makes Sheldon incredibly relatable. People should be careful and alert, taking precautions in case of eventualities. No one knows what's coming, so it's best to be prepared for the worst while still hoping for the best.
Pure Talent Will Only Take You So Far
A renowned theoretical physicist, Sheldon is at the peak of his profession, something he constantly brags about to his friends. However, it's not until he begins working with Amy that he makes a genuine breakthrough that eventually leads to his Nobel Prize.
Sheldon is the smartest character in The Big Bang Theory, but he's also the perfect example that raw talent is not enough. People need to work constantly, making connections and seizing opportunities as they come. Talent will open many doors, but it's not enough to take someone all the way. They'll need from friends and colleagues and the experience of years of work if they want to get to the top.
Fight For Your True Love
Despite his problematic ways, Sheldon was a genuinely good boyfriend to Amy. Their relationship had many ups and downs, as evidenced by their breakup during the season eight finale. Still, Sheldon knew Amy was the love of his life, and he overcame his pride to win her back, eventually marrying and even having a child with her.
Love is difficult. It requires constant effort, commitment, and compromise to succeed. Sheldon knew he belonged with Amy and went against everything he thought he knew to win her back and make their relationship work. His story teaches audiences that, even though love won't make things easy, it'll make them worthwhile.
Compromise Is Crucial
And speaking of compromise, Sheldon learned to do it, albeit reluctantly. When he first met Leonard, the infamously stubborn genius was stuck in his ways. With time and a lot of patience on Leonard, Penny, and Amy's parts, Sheldon eventually became more flexible and adaptable.
Life is all about compromise. Whether in romance or at work, people need to adapt to the circumstances, which sometimes means making some sacrifices. It might not always be easy to let go of things or behaviors, but people learn to cope. It's okay to feel sad or angry and even mourn those things that get lost, but it's futile to resist the change.
Life Isn't Always How We Planned It
Young Sheldon shows that the genius always thought his life would follow a certain path. He certainly never saw himself living with and befriending strangers or getting married. Never in a million years did he imagine he would dedicate his Nobel Prize speech to other people!
Alas, life has no set path, and its twists and turns will take everyone by surprise. No matter how hard someone tries, they'll never be able to anticipate everything that will come, and that's okay. It doesn't mean things will turn out for the worst, but it does mean that some might not come to as expected.
Always Believe In Your Dreams
Sheldon remained convinced he would eventually win his Nobel Prize. Most people doubted him because, even though he was a genius, the chances of him making a groundbreaking discovery were few. Sheldon made several bad career choices throughout The Big Bang Theory but kept working, never giving up on his ion until he eventually achieved his goal.
Life can sometimes be cruel to those who have a specific dream. However, it's important to never back down. There will always be naysayers, but if someone truly wants to achieve something, they'll need to develop a thick skin. In the end, a person can achieve their dreams with enough work, talent, and, it must be said, a little bit of good fortune.