In an ever-evolving world, the notion of change is not just an abstract idea but a vital part of the human experience. Life is a series of lessons, and growth often comes from acknowledging and learning from our past mistakes. The sentiment that people should not be condemned for what they did not know resonates deeply in a world striving for understanding and empathy. As Robbie Williams recently remarked, “People from the 90s shouldn’t be held accountable for how we think and feel now.” His words remind us of an essential truth: change is not just possible; it is inevitable.
A Reflection on Change
Robbie Williams, a name synonymous with success, creativity, and reinvention, is the perfect embodiment of transformation. Speaking at the European premiere of his biopic Better Man, the former Take That member celebrated one of the “proudest moments” of his career. The film, directed by The Greatest Showman‘s Michael Gracey, delves into the highs and lows of Williams’ life as a young pop star, exposing vulnerabilities with a rare honesty. Despite revisiting painful memories, Williams has no grievances about his past. Instead, he acknowledges the importance of understanding the context of his actions and thoughts at the time.
“We didn’t know, and now we do,” he said. “Things can and will change. And I can already feel it around me, how I am treated and how we treat each other. But you can’t know what you don’t know, and we just didn’t know in the 90s and that has to be okay.”
His words serve as a reminder that growth stems from the knowledge we acquire over time. Condemning people for their past ignorance undermines the very essence of progress. After all, how can society move forward if it refuses to acknowledge the potential for personal transformation?
Learning from the Past
Better Man paints an extraordinary portrait of Williams’ life, including his own acknowledgment of shortcomings. One poignant moment in the film reflects on his relationship with Nicole Appleton, a time he admits to handling poorly.
“There’s the bit with Nicole Appleton that always gets me because she’s a wonderful person; she’s an angel,” Williams shared. “All the other people that I threw under the bus in the film, they did something to me… I did something to her. I wasn’t a great boyfriend, and I feel great shame about that. But we’re good [now]. I’ve got great love for her, and she has for me, too.”
His candid acknowledgment of past mistakes is not just an act of humility but a demonstration of how people can confront their wrongdoings and strive for better. It underscores a broader truth: healing relationships and fostering mutual respect are often achievable through honest communication and the willingness to grow.
Empathy in an Evolving Society
The idea that “you can’t know what you don’t know” holds relevance far beyond the entertainment industry. Social attitudes, norms and values are in a constant state of flux. What seemed acceptable in one era may be viewed as outdated or harmful in another. This evolution is part of human progress, and judging the past solely through the lens of present-day sensibilities risks overlooking the context in which those actions occurred.
Williams’ statement about the 90s reflects an important call for empathy. “We didn’t know,” he said. And indeed, the societal awareness around issues such as mental health, equality, and inclusivity was vastly different 30 years ago. Today, these conversations are more nuanced and informed, thanks to decades of education and activism. Criticizing individuals for not adhering to today’s standards in a time when those standards did not exist is not only unproductive but unfair. Instead, it is more constructive to celebrate the progress made and encourage further change.
Vulnerability and Redemption
One of the reasons Better Man stands out is its refusal to sugarcoat Williams’ journey. Director Michael Gracey emphasised that the film’s strength lies in its raw and unflinching honesty.
“Not a lot of us know what it’s like to stand in front of 135,000 people and perform, but I think, strangely, [Robbie] has this incredibly relatable story,” Gracey said. “The thing I value the most is that he’s been really able to go to those dark places, which I think a lot of music biopics suffer from being sanitised or watered down.”
This willingness to delve into “those dark places” allows audiences to connect with Williams on a profoundly human level. His story becomes not just a tale of stardom but a narrative of redemption and resilience. In embracing his vulnerabilities, Williams invites others to reflect on their own journeys and consider how they, too, might change and grow.
Celebrating Change
The broader lesson from Robbie Williams’ reflections is that change should be celebrated, not condemned. Every individual has the capacity to evolve. Holding people accountable for actions rooted in ignorance, especially when they have since learned and grown, serves little purpose. Instead, recognising and encouraging transformation fosters a culture of understanding and improvement.
Consider how society’s attitudes toward mental health have shifted. In the 90s, discussions around mental well-being were often dismissed or stigmatised. Williams himself has been candid about his struggles with addiction and depression, topics that were far less openly addressed during his early career. Today, these conversations are normalised, offering support and hope to millions. This shift is a testament to the collective growth of society; a reminder that we are capable of change and that change can save lives.
Forgiveness and Moving Forward
Forgiveness plays a central role in embracing change. Williams’ reflections on his past relationships highlight the importance of forgiving both others and oneself. “I wasn’t a great boyfriend, and I feel great shame about that,” he admitted. However, his reconciliation with Appleton, and their mutual respect today illustrate how relationships can evolve when people are willing to confront their mistakes and make amends.
Forgiveness does not mean ignoring the harm caused by past actions. Rather, it involves acknowledging those actions while recognizing the capacity for growth and redemption. It is through forgiveness that individuals and societies alike can move forward.
The Power of Self-Acceptance
As Robbie Williams takes centre stage in Better Man, portrayed as a CGI chimpanzee, a creative nod to his own self-perception, he invites audiences to consider the complexities of identity and self-acceptance. By embracing both the highs and lows of his journey, Williams demonstrates that true self-worth comes not from perfection but from authenticity.
His biopic’s title, Better Man, encapsulates this idea perfectly. It’s not about being the best; it’s about being better. This simple yet profound message underscores the potential for growth inherent in every person. By striving to be better, for ourselves, our loved ones, and society, we contribute to a world that values progress over perfection.
A Shared Responsibility
Williams’ story reminds us that change is a shared responsibility. As individuals, we must remain open to learning and evolving. As a society, we must create an environment that supports and celebrates transformation. Condemning people for past ignorance risks discouraging them from engaging with the very growth we hope to see.
Instead, let us focus on building a culture that values understanding, empathy, and progress. As Robbie Williams so eloquently put it, “Things can and will change.” And in embracing that change, we can all strive to be better men, women, and human beings.
