I love roller coasters. I don't get a chance often, but I've gone

In the words of Anthony Hopkins, “I love roller coasters. I don't get a chance often, but I've gone to Magic Mountain and gone on the rides. I love roller coasters,” we hear not just an admission of excitement, but an allegory for the turbulent journey of life itself. Roller coasters, those thrilling machines of wonder, symbolize the highs and lows, the twists and turns that each of us experiences in our journey through existence. In the fleeting moments of life, it is often said that we are all riders on a roller coaster—at times filled with joy and exhilaration, and at others, faced with sudden drops and sharp curves. Anthony Hopkins’ love for the roller coaster, then, speaks to the embrace of both the thrill and the uncertainty of life.

To love roller coasters is to embrace the uncertainty of the ride—to surrender to the inevitable ebbs and flows of existence. Just as the roller coaster climbs, with anticipation building at each creaking turn, so too do we experience moments in life where we rise toward an unknown challenge. The tension of the ascent is akin to the feeling before a significant event: a new job, a move to a new place, or the start of a new relationship. It is in these moments, where anticipation fills the air, that we feel most alive. Yet, just as the roller coaster must descend after the climb, so too must we face the moments of difficulty and adversity that challenge us on our path.

Consider the tale of Alexander the Great, whose rise was akin to a roller coaster’s peak—full of ambition, excitement, and the promise of glory. He conquered vast lands, seemingly invincible, much like a rider on the highest point of a coaster. However, as all great journeys show us, even the highest peaks are followed by falls. Alexander’s empire eventually crumbled, and in his final years, he faced uncertainty and sorrow. Yet, it was in his acceptance of the ups and downs of life—the relentless swings between triumph and tragedy—that he became a legend. Similarly, Anthony Hopkins’ love for roller coasters shows us that life’s inevitable fluctuations are not to be feared, but embraced with open arms.

The experience of the roller coaster also highlights the importance of living in the moment. To truly appreciate the ride, one must give oneself over to the experience, allowing the heart to race with excitement, and the mind to be free from distraction. In the same way, life’s most meaningful moments are those in which we fully embrace the present, without worrying about what lies ahead or looking back on what has passed. Living in the moment—much like the thrill of a roller coaster—reminds us to engage fully with each twist and turn, for they are what shape our experiences. Anthony Hopkins’ enjoyment of the roller coaster, though brief, teaches us that joy comes not from control but from surrendering to the ride, from trusting that the path ahead will lead us where we need to go.

Roller coasters also teach us about the balance between fear and courage. It is natural to feel trepidation before the ride begins, just as it is natural to feel fear before stepping into unknown or uncertain situations in life. Yet, as the roller coaster propels forward, fear often transforms into exhilaration. This transformation from fear to exhilaration mirrors the human experience of overcoming challenges. When we face the fear of the unknown, whether it is taking a risk in our careers or stepping into new experiences, the ride may feel daunting. Yet, once we release our fear and embrace the adventure, we often find that life’s challenges are far more rewarding than we could have imagined.

In the same spirit, we must remember that life’s roller coaster is meant to be enjoyed. We are not meant to shrink back from the peaks and valleys, but to relish each moment, knowing that each twist of fate brings with it a lesson to be learned and an opportunity to grow. The roller coaster, in all its unpredictability, teaches us to find joy in the journey, regardless of where it takes us. Life, much like a roller coaster, is full of unexpected surprises—and it is through embracing them, without hesitation, that we find true fulfillment.

Thus, Anthony Hopkins’ love for roller coasters invites us to reconsider our approach to life’s challenges. Instead of fearing the unknown or resisting the inevitable ups and downs, we should lean into them, allowing ourselves to experience the full spectrum of emotions that come with the ride. The lesson is clear: life is a thrilling adventure, and while we cannot control the twists and turns, we can choose to embrace them with courage, enthusiasm, and an open heart. As we embark on our own roller coasters, let us remember that every twist, every drop, is an opportunity for growth and joy.