122 years of 'The Wizard of Oz': 6 important life lessons the book taught us

Even more than a century later, L. Frank Baum's 'The Wizard of Oz', which was first published on May 17, 1900, remains one of the best-known stories in American literature. A modern fairy tale with a distinctly American setting, a delightfully levelheaded and assertive heroine, and engaging fantasy characters, the story was enormously popular and became a classic of children’s literature. It centers on a Kansas farm girl named Dorothy who ends up in the magical Land of Oz after she and her pet dog Toto are swept away from their home by a tornado. Upon her arrival in Oz, she learns she cannot return home until she has destroyed the Wicked Witch of the West. Today, on the completion of 122 years since it was first published, here's a look at 6 important life lessons 'The Wizard of Oz' taught us.

Pic credit: Wikipedia

In order to go home, 16-year-old Dorothy has to see the Wizard, for which she has to travel across a strange land. Though she is not in the safe environment of her home, Dorothy sets off, facing her fear head-on. This shows that to achieve a target, it is very important to accept and face your fears.

While the grass often looks greener on the other side, Dorothy soon learns that beneath the emerald majesty of Oz, there is no place like Kansas. Dorothy realizes that she does not need the Wizard to send her home; she holds the power all along to go back to the place she was born and the people she loves.

The Scarecrow wishes for a brain, the Tin Man wants a heart and the Cowardly Lion wants nothing more than to be brave, but these characters possess these very qualities from the start. If you look within yourself you may be able to pull out the strength, courage, and intelligence you never knew you had.

Yes, Dorothy finds some bumps along the yellow brick road on her search to get home. The wrath of the Wicked Witch of the West and her troops of flying monkeys stand in her way, but she never stops following the route to the Emerald City. Although you may not know exactly where it will lead, forge your own path and follow it despite all the obstacles.

Though the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion aren't the typical friends Dorothy had imagined, these three always had Dorothy's back. Thus, don't pass on a possible friend because they are different than you.

In Oz, there are two Wicked Witches and only one good one, so hope for peace in the Emerald City does not seem likely. But with the help of her newly-minted friends, Dorothy is able to melt the Wicked Witch of the West and save the citizens of Oz. No matter what the situation is, you should never allow that to get in the way of your morals. When given the choice, always be the Glinda and never the Wicked Witch.