Eddie Murphy’s 1998 monologue about the 'rat race' still hits hard — and it’s one every employee should hear

Most people are trapped in a rat race where they are constantly running after money, power, and influence. But what they often overlook is that life is anything but predictable, and we might never get another chance to live truly. Well, award-winning actor Eddie Murphy's beautiful monologue from his 1998 comedy-drama movie, "Holy Man," reminds us of this very profound truth — a reality that we all must understand and accept from the heart. A motivational page on Instagram, Daily Movie Inspiration (@dailymovieinspiration), shared Eddie's empowering scene from the film on June 24, 2025, and since then, it has received 5.6 million views online.

"75 years. That's how much time you get if you are lucky," Eddie spoke, alluding to the uncertainty of life — "75 years. 75 winters, 75 springtimes, 75 summers, and 75 autumns. When you look at it like that, it's not a lot of time. Is it?" With his eyes glued to the camera, the "Coming to America" actor continued as he urged everyone not to waste their limited time relentlessly chasing superficial things and to get back to what's more important — living in the present. Moving on, Eddie's character, G, explains how dropping out of the vicious cycle will make people more loving and curious and allow them to take risks that open new opportunities. "You could be living more. You could be getting in touch with the part of you that lives instead of fears, the part of you that loves instead of hates," he added.

Though this particular scene explores the concept of living in the moment, sadly, researchers say it's probably unachievable because of how our minds are coded to make us worry about both the past and the future. Basically, our brain keeps track of things we have done in the past, along with their outcomes, and so it anticipates future choices and their respective fallouts. Meanwhile, the captivating scene from Stephen Herek's directorial masterpiece received an overwhelming response on social media. Echoing the sentiments, @milli commented, "Also remember life is eternity with God. This refers to the concept of everlasting life spent in the presence of God." @rutzpatrickk said, "Words of Wisdom. Listen, people. Truth has been spoken. For those who have ears to hear."

On the other hand, @2is.jordi shared, "Probably the only time a message like this has ended with an actual answer. Every time I see something like this, they just say, 'Get out and look forward,' but never forward to what." Similarly, @ny_dynasty1977 wrote, "This is so true. I'm only 48, and I already feel like, what happened? Where did it all go? Young people, take advantage, learn from your mistakes, and don't hold grudges that are minute. Wish I knew that 20 years ago, because then I thought I had all the time in the world." Another user who goes by @joelofrompr on Instagram commented, "This is a great message. Some may say that it is easy for someone without a material need in life to talk like that, but in the end, he did what he preached. He got to do what he really wanted, not what was expected of him, like the shelf life they have always presented as the correct way of living." 

You can follow Daily Movie Inspiration (@dailymovieinspiration) on Instagram for more motivational content.