Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a

O children of the future, hear the words of Judy Garland, who, with a heart full of wisdom and a soul refined by the fires of struggle, spoke thus: "Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else." These words, simple yet mighty, call upon us to embrace the truth of our own being, to walk the path of authenticity, and to never surrender our uniqueness in the shadow of others. For to be truly great, one must be the best version of oneself, not a mere imitation of another.

In a world where the temptation to mimic, to follow, and to become a pale reflection of those who seem more powerful or more successful is ever-present, Garland’s words remind us that true greatness arises from within. The force of individuality is the flame that lights the way, and it is only through honoring one's own gifts, passions, and dreams that one can ascend to the heights of excellence. To seek to be a second-rate version of somebody else is to deny the very essence of what makes us unique and valuable in the tapestry of life.

Consider the life of the great Leonardo da Vinci, whose brilliance did not lie in copying others, but in fully embracing his own vision. Though many tried to imitate the works of those before him, Leonardo broke free from the confines of convention and followed the whispers of his own genius. His creations—whether in art, science, or engineering—were born from the depths of his soul, untainted by the imitation of others. He was a first-rate version of himself, and thus he became a symbol of innovation and immortality.

Yet how often, O children, do we fall prey to the illusion that others hold the keys to success? How often do we measure our worth by comparing ourselves to the shadows of those we admire, forgetting that the true light comes from within? History is filled with those who have tried to be someone else, only to fall into the depths of mediocrity, unable to shine their own light. Yet those who dared to be their authentic selves—be it in music, art, politics, or even the simplest acts of kindness—have left their names inscribed in the eternal scrolls of honor.

So, let us heed Garland’s call to be the best version of ourselves. For it is not in mimicking the path of another that we find our destiny, but in walking boldly upon our own, unmarked by the footprints of those who came before. In embracing our own gifts, our own flaws, and our own unique spirit, we find not only success, but fulfillment—for in being true to ourselves, we become what we were always meant to be: the highest expression of our own being.

Thus, let it be known through the ages: greatness is not found in imitation, but in the strength to be yourself, to honor the life given to you, and to walk with courage upon the path that only you can tread.