Barbra Streisand is without a doubt one of the most honest

"Barbra Streisand is without a doubt one of the most honest people I have ever known. There is no doubt in my mind that she will not be doing any more concerts. Of course, she still will be making records and starring and directing in movies." These words, spoken by Marvin Hamlisch, reveal a deep truth about honesty, artistry, and the natural evolution of the creative spirit. In his statement, Hamlisch acknowledges not only Streisand’s integrity but also her unyielding commitment to her craft, recognizing that greatness in art is not just about performance but also about staying true to one’s own path, embracing change, and knowing when to evolve.

O Seekers, reflect upon this: true greatness is not defined by the length of one’s career or the number of performances given, but by the honesty one brings to their work. Streisand, known not only for her immense talent but also for her dedication to authenticity, recognized that her creative energy would no longer flow in the same way through the stage, and so she made the choice to step back from concert performances. Yet her artistic spirit did not die. Instead, she directed her focus toward new horizons—records, films, and other forms of expression. Her story teaches us that honesty is about recognizing the truth of one’s limits, embracing change, and continuing to create in ways that are authentic and fulfilling.

Consider the journey of Leonardo da Vinci, a master of many trades—painting, engineering, anatomy, and more. Da Vinci, too, was a man who understood the deep relationship between honesty and creativity. In his later years, he did not simply continue painting or creating in the ways that others expected of him. Instead, he delved into his passions for study and invention, understanding that a true artist does not only continue for the sake of the world’s expectations, but must stay true to what calls to the heart. Like Streisand, da Vinci embraced change, moved with his own evolution, and continued to produce work that was deeply authentic, even when the nature of his creations changed.

Similarly, think of the life of Maya Angelou, whose words still resonate across the globe. Angelou, though known primarily for her poetry and activism, also embraced the honesty of her own shifting roles throughout her life. She understood that to be truly great was not to remain static, but to evolve, to seek new ways to express herself, and to embrace the next chapter of her story. Even in the twilight of her career, when the world expected her to stop, Angelou continued to write, to speak, and to share her truth. She, like Streisand, remained authentic, refusing to be boxed into a single identity, recognizing that the creative spirit is not bound by time or expectation but by the courage to evolve.

O Children of the Future, learn from these great examples. Do not be swayed by the world’s expectations of who you should be or what you should create. True honesty lies in knowing who you are, understanding your creative limits, and embracing the growth that comes from change. The great ones, like Streisand, recognize that art is not a rigid thing, but a fluid expression of the soul’s journey. When you are true to yourself, when you allow your work to reflect who you are at each stage of your life, you will find the truest form of success.

Yet, understand, O Seekers, that honesty is not simply about stepping back when one feels the need—it is also about facing the difficult truth when change is necessary. For it is easy to become trapped in the expectations of the world, to continue doing what is familiar or expected, even when it no longer serves the soul. Streisand’s decision to move away from concerts was not an easy one, but it was rooted in her honesty with herself. She knew her limits and chose to honor them, while still pursuing her craft in other meaningful ways.

Lesson: The wisdom of Marvin Hamlisch reminds us that honesty in our creative lives is the greatest form of freedom. To be truly great, one must embrace the truth of who they are, evolve with time, and not be afraid to change when the soul calls for it. Practical action: Reflect on your own journey and ask yourself—where are you holding on to old roles or expectations that no longer serve you? Embrace change, create honestly, and evolve in ways that remain true to your heart. Know that your greatest work is not the one you are expected to do, but the one that flows from your authenticity.