The Holy Grail

Originally published: March 19, 2024

Many people are wandering through life trying to figure out their purpose, their meaning, their mission. Numerous books, coaches, techniques exist to help understand that core piece of our existence.

But, it occurred to me recently that we can use a quite unexpected framework to articulate our purpose.

1975 brought us a number of things: 8-track tapes, Rubik’s cubes, Microsoft, and even Saturday Night Live. It also brought us a cult-classic movie by a quirky British comedy troupe, Monty Python: Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

In a scene toward the end of the film, Arthur, Robin, Bedemir, Lancelot, and Galahad locate the Bridge of Death, which is the only way to cross the Gorge of Eternal Peril – the barrier between the knights and the object of their quest, the Holy Grail.

However, they are stopped by the bridge-keeper, who, in his warlock-y voice, says, “Stop! Who would cross the Bridge of Death must answer me these questions three, ere the other side he see.” Brave Sir Lancelot steps forward and says, “Ask me the questions, bridge-keeper. I'm not afraid.”

Monty Python fans can take it from here, as this is one of the most well-known scenes in the movie. For everyone else, it goes like this:

KEEPER: What is your name?
LANCELOT: My name is Sir Lancelot of Camelot.
KEEPER: What is your quest?
LANCELOT: To seek the Holy Grail.
KEEPER: What is your favorite color?
LANCELOT: Blue.
KEEPER: Right. Off you go.
LANCELOT: Oh, thank you. Thank