The Man Who Was The Inspiration Behind The Dude

It's that last part that is the biggest piece of wisdom that both the Dude and the Dowd can impart. We live in a dog-eat-dog world where "being successful" is often defined as running over others before you're run over first. Or, to use a more Lebowski-appropriate analogy, lots of folks out there will take a proverbial pee on your rug or throw a ferret in your bathtub. 

There's a lot to admire about both the the Dude and the Dowd's laid-back, laissez-faire, "hey man, let's all just be friends" lifestyles and atti-dudes. There's something simple, poignant, and even timeless about them. Both the Dowd and the Dude represent the mythic archetype of the Holy Fool, one who subverts conformity in order to point to the truth. While being a slacker stoner isn't necessarily recommend, when it comes to being comfortable with yourself and cool with others, we should all strive to be like the Dudes

"People come up to me and say, 'God, well, thank you, cause the movie's about you.' And I say, 'Well, what do you like about the Dude so much? He's a f—king slacker,'" Dowd told HuffPost. "They say, 'He tells it like it is and he is loyal to his friends.'" Preach, Dude, preach. 

Jeff Dowd... long may he abide.