“At least 99.”

That’s the answer 85-year-old Morgan Freeman gives when asked how many movies he has been in. Freeman is one of my favorite actors. My three favorite movies of his are “Shawshank Redemption,” “The Bucket List” and “Glory.” Freeman has an interesting philosophy about life and he does not apologize for any of his opinions that might raise an eyebrow or two. Here are some of his thoughts (in quotes) I found on a variety of topics.

Much of his ideas about life are simple and straightforward. Here is an example.

“One of the things you can always count on - this is one of the truths of the universe … whatever we decide we want to do is what we do. When you made your choice, it is providence that is your guide. Good, bad, or indifferent. Your fate lies in that.”

Freeman believes people need to stop finger pointing and be in control of their lives.

“As long as you feel like a victim, you are one. If you live a life of make believe, your life isn’t worth anything until you do something that does challenge your reality.”

Freeman thinks people just need to learn to cope with their situations.

“If you wake up and the snow is knee deep outside, you are not filled with rage. It’s just something you’ve got to cope with. If you’re living in a situation and it’s the only situation you know, and you’ve got to deal with it.”

Freeman seems to look at life as a half-full person.

“I can say that life is good to me … So, I think my task is to be good to it. So how do you be good to life? You live it.”

In this hustle and bustle world with everybody moving somewhere, Freeman has this advice for us.

“The world went and got itself in a big damn hurry. Learning how to be still, to be really still and let life happen - that stillness becomes a radiance.”

Freeman also has had encouraging words for his children over the years.

“I always tell my kids if you lay down, people will step over you. But if you keep scrambling, if you keep going, someone will always give you a hand. Always. But you gotta keep dancing, you gotta keep your feet moving and never let pride be your guiding principle. Challenge yourself. It’s the only path that leads to growth. Fatigue, discomfort, discouragement are merely symptoms of effort. Let your accomplishments speak for you.”

Freeman says that people just like to feel wanted. “Life doesn’t offer you promises whatsoever so it’s very easy to become ‘Whatever happened to __?’ It’s great to be wanted. I spent a few years not being wanted and this is better.”

Freeman is a big believer in believing and dreaming.

“All you have to do is believe, then you will see everything. If you dream, you have to imagine that it will actually happen. If you’re not living on the edge, then you’re taking up a little too much space.”

As far as finding job in one’s life, he has advice on that too.

“Finding joy is probably tantamount to finding yourself and being comfortable in your own skin.”

When Morgan Freeman has something to say, he always grabs my attention.

Rich Strack can be reached at richiesadie11@gmail.com.