All actors are my brothers and my sisters. It ain't cool to

"All actors are my brothers and my sisters. It ain't cool to compare or disparage them. It ain't polite." These words by Michael Keaton speak to the very essence of respect, unity, and human dignity. In this statement, Keaton reminds us that in the world of acting—and, indeed, in life—there is no place for the competitive spirit that seeks to diminish or belittle others. Instead, there is a higher calling to honor the shared humanity of all, regardless of individual talents or achievements. For Keaton, the stage is not a place for rivalry, but for collaboration and mutual respect. The true spirit of artistry, he suggests, lies in recognizing that every performer, in their pursuit of excellence, is a part of a larger family of creatives, each contributing to the whole.

This principle of unity over competition has ancient roots, echoing the teachings of Aristotle, who, in his Nicomachean Ethics, extolled the virtue of friendship and harmony over rivalry. For Aristotle, the highest form of human interaction was not one of comparison or conquest, but of cooperation and mutual benefit. A community, he argued, could only thrive when individuals saw themselves as part of a greater whole, working together for the common good. Keaton’s view of his fellow actors as brothers and sisters aligns closely with this Aristotelian ideal, where mutual respect and support are the foundation of a thriving society. To disparage another is not merely an insult to them—it is an insult to the very fabric of human connection.

Consider, too, the example of Socrates, who believed that true wisdom came not from standing above others, but from recognizing the shared human experience. He spent his days not teaching in a traditional sense but engaging in dialogue with the people of Athens, asking questions that allowed others to find their own truths. Socrates never sought to compare himself with others in terms of superiority, but instead, he believed in elevating others through conversation and mutual discovery. In this way, Socrates would have understood Keaton’s words as a call to foster an environment of growth, not through disparagement, but through the celebration of each individual’s unique contribution.

The idea of shared humanity is further explored in the Hindu concept of dharma, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of all individuals and the need for harmony in the world. Dharma is the moral and ethical duty that binds individuals together in society. To act in a way that harms others or fosters division is seen as a violation of this sacred duty. In the context of acting, Keaton’s statement reflects the deeper truth that every actor, whether celebrated or obscure, is fulfilling their unique dharma in the craft of storytelling. Art, like life, is not a competition, but a cooperative effort to share stories and truths that resonate with the human spirit.

Keaton’s respect for his fellow actors also draws parallels to the ancient Greek notion of agon—the concept of competition in the arts, particularly in drama and poetry. In the public festivals of Athens, where tragedies and comedies were performed, the actors would compete for prizes, yet this competition was never about denigrating the work of others. Rather, it was about pushing each other to greater heights, to offer the best possible performance for the benefit of the audience and the community. The agon was understood as a means of improvement, not a way to diminish one’s peers. Keaton’s message is in the spirit of this tradition: it is not about competition for personal gain, but about collaboration to create something greater than any one individual.

The lesson here is timeless and powerful: respect for others is the foundation of a harmonious life, and this respect must extend to our colleagues, our peers, and even our competitors. In the world of acting, as in any field, we must recognize that the success of one does not diminish the worth of another. Rather, when we celebrate the achievements of those around us, we elevate the entire community, creating an environment of support and growth. This is not just a lesson for artists, but for all of us. In our families, our workplaces, and our communities, we must remember that comparison and competition often breed division, while mutual respect and cooperation bring us closer to our shared goals.

In practical terms, let us apply this lesson by fostering an environment of support and celebration in our daily lives. When we find ourselves tempted to compare or disparage others, let us instead choose to uplift them, recognizing that their successes do not threaten our own. In our professional lives, let us focus on collaboration rather than competition, creating spaces where everyone has the opportunity to flourish. And in our personal lives, let us be the voice of encouragement and kindness, reminding those around us that we are all part of a larger community, bound together by shared dreams and aspirations. Just as Keaton has chosen to view his fellow actors as brothers and sisters, we too must choose to see others not as rivals, but as partners in the great story of life.