In life, we often find ourselves caught in systems that seem immovable—whether societal, corporate, or cultural. These systems shape our actions, limit our choices, and sometimes strip us of our individuality. We conform, follow routines, and rarely stop to question why things are the way they are. But real change happens when we have the courage to challenge the status quo, to break free from the cycles that imprison us, and to forge our own path.
This story, drawn from Midnight Express and a real-world example from Patagonia, illustrates how individuals and organizations can resist the forces that seek to keep them trapped. It’s about the moment of realization, the decision to act, and the courage to go against the tide—even when the system demands compliance. Let’s explore how Billy Hayes in Midnight Express and the leadership at Patagonia found the strength to break free from the cycles they were caught in.
The Story of Billy Hayes in Midnight Express
In Midnight Express (1978), Billy Hayes finds himself imprisoned in Turkey for smuggling drugs, caught in a harsh and unjust system. After enduring setbacks, prolonged sentencing, betrayal by another inmate, and the devastating loss of a close friend, Billy begins to lose his mind. His spirit is broken, and he is eventually transferred to a part of the prison for the insane. It is here, in Room 11, that Billy becomes part of a dehumanizing system—where prisoners walk in endless circles, conforming to a reality that strips them of their identities, walking mindlessly as if there is no other choice. This symbolizes not just physical imprisonment, but a deeper, emotional and psychological confinement.
In this bleak state, Billy succumbs to the routine, following the circular path with the other prisoners. The system, indifferent to their suffering, has swallowed him whole, reducing him to mere compliance. His mind, like the others, is being absorbed by the mindless cycle of the prison. This is a moment many of us can relate to—when systems we’ve trusted fail us, when the weight of hopelessness feels insurmountable, and when the idea of escaping seems impossible.
But then, something changes. Billy’s girlfriend visits him in prison, and her presence reignites the hope that had almost died within him. She becomes the catalyst for his turning point. During the visit, she expresses her fear that Billy, if he doesn’t act, will die in that prison. Her words echo in his mind, reminding him of who he is outside the prison walls and that the world hasn’t forgotten him. It’s in this moment of connection and love that Billy finds the courage to fight back. He refuses to let the system consume him any longer.
This pivotal moment, sparked by his girlfriend’s visit, marks Billy’s decision to resist. He realizes the system is not just unjust to him but to everyone trapped within it. He must rise or risk dying, as his girlfriend had predicted. This renewed sense of hope and resolve manifests symbolically when Billy, once again walking in the circle in Room 11, decides to break free. He turns around and walks against the flow, against the mindless routine. At first, the other prisoners whisper, telling him he’s going the wrong way. But Billy persists, knowing that conforming will only lead to his demise. His rebellion, his act of walking against the circle, becomes his first step toward reclaiming his life and ultimately escaping the prison.
Billy’s story speaks to a larger truth about resistance and the human spirit. We all live in systems that, at times, seem overwhelming—whether in our personal lives, in business, or in society. These systems often impose routines, expectations, and cycles that we follow without questioning. We do what’s expected, often because it’s what everyone else does, or because stepping outside the norm seems too difficult. But the real danger lies in losing ourselves to these systems, in forgetting that we have the power to question them and choose a different path.
Another real-world example of this courage to go against the tide is seen in Patagonia, the outdoor clothing company led by founder Yvon Chouinard. In an industry driven by consumerism and relentless profit-seeking, Patagonia broke the cycle. In 2011, on Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year, Patagonia ran an ad in The New York Times that read: “Don’t Buy This Jacket.” It was a radical move, urging customers to buy less, repair what they already owned, and embrace sustainability. Patagonia’s message was clear: the system of endless consumption was not sustainable, and they were willing to sacrifice short-term profit to challenge that system. By going against the norms of retail and advocating for environmental responsibility, Patagonia became a beacon for ethical business practices, proving that breaking with tradition can lead to greater impact and long-term success.
Billy’s defiance in Midnight Express and Patagonia’s bold stance against consumerism teach us a crucial lesson: when systems fail to serve justice, fairness, or sustainability, we must be willing to challenge them. Whether it’s a destructive business model, an unjust law, or a toxic cultural norm, real change happens when we find the courage to go against the tide. Breaking the cycle isn’t easy. When Billy turned against the circle, he faced resistance from the other prisoners, just as we may face resistance when we challenge the status quo in our lives or work. But persistence in the face of opposition is the first step toward reclaiming control and creating meaningful change.
Billy’s pivotal moment in the movie wasn’t just about escaping a physical prison—it was about reclaiming his humanity and hope. Similarly, Patagonia’s decision to challenge consumer culture wasn’t just about making environmentally friendly clothes; it was about creating a future where businesses contribute positively to the world rather than exploit it. Both examples show us that when systems are broken, we have a responsibility to rise and challenge them.
If we don’t act, if we don’t ask questions or confront the systems that imprison us, we risk losing not only our freedom but our very selves. Like Billy, we must refuse to let the system define us. We must find the courage to walk against the circle, even when others tell us we’re going the wrong way. Because real freedom—whether in our personal lives, in business, or in society—comes from challenging the systems that hold us back.
