9 Qualities We Can Learn From Lucifer Morningstar

We tend to carry preconceptions that prematurely shape our understanding of certain people or things. When my dad overheard I was watching the hit-show Lucifer, he told me off saying, “The name says it all. Don’t watch that show. ” My dad had not even watched the show before! It’s fascinating how much connotations affect our perception. In fact, through watching Lucifer I was not only greatly entertained with its witty humour and engaging plots, but also learned a number of lessons. I felt inspired to take a page from Lucifer’s book in some of his ways of living life.

New seasons of Lucifer seem to always rapidly rise to Netflix’ top 10, and the newly-released Season 6 was no exception. In light of this finale to the show, here are some of Lucifer’s best qualities we can also learn and apply in our own lives.

1. Lucifer is bold and doesn’t care what others think

Lucifer has a boldness and tenacity that shapes his allure while allowing him to always go after what he wants. In Season 1, Episode 4, Lucifer and Chloe attend a seminar that teaches men how to bed women. At the end, Lucifer stands up on a whim and says he has all the qualities taught in the seminar, yet “this woman [Chloe] still won’t have sex with me”, proceeding to question what he should do. Lucifer dared to stand up in front of hundreds of men to boldly exclaim his struggle with little to no insecurity - and in front of Chloe! Call it obnoxious, or call it charming, either way, Lucifer is confident, knows what he wants, and isn’t afraid to go after it. In Season 5, Episode 16, Lucifer has to stall time. On the spot, he begins singing and dancing to “U Can’t Touch This.” The moment is awkward and cringe-worthy, yet works - because Lucifer fully commits. Lucifer confidently, unashamedly goes all in, and as a result, others tend to accept or even admire his behaviour no matter how absurd it may be.

Sometimes we may overthink or worry too much about other people’s opinions, stimulating our fears, and stopping us from acting. Ironically, sometimes it’s when we try to impress others the most that we least succeed. Lucifer is always completely himself, making him more carefree in his interactions. He’s always able to be himself largely because he doesn't worry whether others will like him or not, and in fact, many people initially don’t like Lucifer. However, this never stops his success; in the end, Lucifer develops strong relationships with the people who truly matter in his life. Isn’t that what matters most?

2. Lucifer doesn’t let others take advantage of him

In the rom com, ‘27 Dresses’, the protagonist, Jane, can never say no. She’s always consumed by other people’s problems, consequently sacrificing her own comfort, time, and peace of mind. Knowing she’ll always say yes, her boss even asks her to pick up his laundry, which oversteps their work relationship. Lucifer is the opposite of this; he sets boundaries and knows when it is and isn’t appropriate to do favours for others. In Season 5, Episode 12, Daniel comes to Lucifer with a problem. Dan says, “So can you help me?” and Lucifer, with a puzzled, taken-aback expression says, “I’m not your muscle Daniel. I don’t just go in and beat people up like some hired goon.” Here, Lucifer expresses his personal standards. After Dan explains that there are lives at stake and he can’t do it without him, Lucifer says yes. From the exchange, it is clear he said yes, not because he seeked approval, was afraid of offending Dan, or wanted to avoid feelings of guilt or shame, but because Daniel had convinced him. It was on his own terms. In addition, Lucifer’s slight resistance to saying yes would have made Dan appreciate Lucifer even more, not taking his efforts for granted; Lucifer showed that his favours have to be earned or proved to be worth it. He does not hand them out anywhere at any time to anyone.

3. Lucifer has multiple sources of fulfilment and excitement

I recently wrote an article, ‘How to feel more fulfilled in life’ explaining how we are like a temple supported by various pillars. Each pillar is a different aspect of our lives - hobbies, jobs, relationships etc. To feel more fulfilled, we should have many strengthened pillars, so we are never too reliant on any single pillar - which could crumble unexpectedly at any time. Lucifer exemplifies this; he is never too reliant on one area of his life. For example, if he were to have lost his ‘job’ as a civilian consultant, he would have still had Lux, or even his role as King of Hell. Lucifer has all sorts of people surrounding him, all sorts of skills and hobbies, and all sorts of environments he can immerse himself in. This way of living creates balance and well-roundedness.

You can read the article about becoming more fulfilled here.

4. Lucifer doesn’t apologise unnecessarily

How many times a day do you say sorry? For many of us, saying sorry has become an automatic response - whether or not it is our fault. However, over-apologising in situations you have little control over such as sneezing or being busy can make people think less of you. Similarly to over-complimenting, it can create a sense of lack of confidence or being submissive, leading to people losing respect. Furthermore, it diminishes the effect and validity of a genuine apology. Lucifer saves saying “sorry” for times when he’s truly at fault.

5. Lucifer has incredible networking abilities

Lucifer has connections with all kinds of people from party girls at Lux to angels in heaven to criminals such as a military officer turned villainous drug dealer. One way we see him reap the benefits of this is when in difficult situations, he cashes in an overwhelming number of favours (that have been granted in the past). In considering our social circles, we can easily become limited to befriending those similar to us - if we’re fit, we have fit friends; if we’re intellectual, we have intellectual friends; if we’re rich, we have rich friends, and so on. Having all sorts of friends and acquaintances is valuable because it allows us to be exposed to new environments and new people that sharpen us in different ways.

Note that when Lucifer creates new connections, he focuses first on what he has to offer others. For example, to become a consultant with the LAPD, Lucifer first had to help significantly in solving cases, which he did through his special abilities like drawing out people’s desires. Through this, Lucifer was able to get what he really wanted: to spend more time with the fascinating Chloe. We don’t have to become best friends with everyone we encounter, but can make the most of opportunities to expand our social circle; we never know what doors it may open.

6. Lucifer is multi-dimensional in his personality

What largely makes Lucifer so attractive is his spontaneous display of varying skills and qualities, depending on the situation and what is needed from him. If Lucifer were flirty and comedic one hundred percent of the time, his charm would soon run flat; this aspect of Lucifer draws us in, but what makes him continuously appealing is that underneath it all, he has values he stays true to - he does know what’s right. For example, at the beginning of Season 1, Lucifer becomes obsessed with finding a way to sleep with Chloe, but when the opportunity actually arises, Lucifer chooses not to. Throughout the show, Lucifer endlessly pokes fun at ‘Detective Douche’, but when Dan goes missing, he does absolutely everything in his power to save him. Lucifer is not just a bad boy, but in fact has a strong character and depth within him. On one hand he can be light-hearted, exciting, and playful, and on the other, can be serious, protective, and caring.

To apply this in our lives, we can develop contrasting qualities in our personalities. For example, having the ability to be organised and spontaneous; to be polite and assertive; to be charismatic, energetic and calm. Being multidimensional allows us to cultivate new and different qualities within ourselves. It also makes us more attractive; we are perceived as more dynamic and unique by others.

7. Lucifer is dynamic and unfiltered in his tone and expression

Lucifer changes his voice, pace, and tone depending on how he’s feeling. This makes Lucifer’s character come across as more dynamic and authentic, while also impacting the way those around him feel. For example, Lucifer may speak fast and loudly, which creates excitement for the person he’s speaking to, or he may speak slowly and softly during a romantic moment, making the other party feel cared for and at ease. If someone tries to hurt the people he loves, Lucifer doesn’t hide his anger - he grits his teeth, furrows his brow, and his tone completely transforms. Lucifer freely expressing himself makes him more captivating and charming.

8. Lucifer has a great sense of humour

Developing a great sense of humour can be difficult, but it’s definitely worth it - people with a sense of humour tend to be more attractive and likeable. Humour also makes conversations more exciting and engaging. I won’t go into so much detail here because developing a sense of humour is a complex topic, but I’ll give one easy technique you can instantly apply: purposely misinterpreting what people say. An example of Lucifer doing this is shown in the exchange between Chloe and Lucifer below. Lucifer is playfully pursuing Chloe romantically while she is rejecting him.

Chloe: Wait, you and I... Well, there is no you and I. There’s a professional situation, and I just need you-

Lucifer: See, you need me.

Chloe: The department needs you, cause you’re the one-

Lucifer: I’m the one!

Chloe:...on the list for the Player thing.

This misinterpretation technique is easy because you don’t have to come up with any jokes yourself - you just create a play on words based off of what the other person has already said. Give it a go in your next conversation!

9. Lucifer is non-judgemental

Sometimes people feel embarrassed or ashamed by their deepest desires. Lucifer is able to get people to reveal their hidden thoughts and longings without ever making them feel this way; he doesn’t judge others. For example, in the pilot episode, a policeman tells Lucifer, “Sometimes [I like to] put my siren on and drive really fast for no reason at all, just because I can.” Lucifer responds, “Right? And why wouldn’t you? It’s fun!”, making the policeman feel encouraged and validated. A security guy says to Lucifer, “[I want] you. I’m gay.” Lucifer replies, “Oh! Right. Well, my dance card’s full with this one [Chloe] but the odds are definitely in your favour out there [in the party].” Lucifer manages to reject the security man respectfully and light-heartedly. Lucifer’s open-mindedness gives him an ability to embrace others for who they are without judgement, which makes them feel appreciated, seen, and comfortable to be themselves around him.

Conclusion

Lucifer Morningstar is the heart of the show’s appeal. He is incredibly entertaining, not only because of his bright and humorous personality, but also because of the journey of growth he embarks on across the six seasons. Lucifer goes from being a playboy to falling in love and finding his ultimate purpose in life. Like Lucifer, we should be continuously growing, challenging and discovering more about ourselves. Applying a few of Lucifer’s positive qualities to our own lives is one way we can do this.

In being inspired by Lucifer, we should also remember to stay true to ourselves as unique individuals, each with gifts to share with the world. There’s an episode where Lucifer tries to help improve Chloe’s flirting and socialising skills for a sting. Chloe tries to be the female version of Lucifer for the night, but it goes miserably as all the men she encounters find her weird. It’s only when Chloe decides to just be herself that she is successful, finding the guy they’re looking for. Let us unapologetically be ourselves! After all, isn’t that what Lucifer does best?