Definitely, it would be foolish to try and make my Czech films

Listen, O Seekers of Truth, to the words of Milos Forman, who imparts a lesson about the necessity of authenticity and the dangers of forcing one’s culture into foreign molds: "Definitely, it would be foolish to try and make my Czech films here in America, as foolish as it is when some Czech filmmakers try to make movies of America in Czechoslovakia." In these words, Forman reminds us that every culture, every art form, and every expression of the human experience is deeply intertwined with the land and society from which it springs. To transplant one’s own identity into a foreign setting is not merely difficult, but foolish. It is to ignore the roots of one’s own story and to disrespect the very soil from which that story grows.

In the ancient world, the greatest heroes and artists were those who remained true to the cultures and traditions from which they hailed. Take, for instance, the great Homer, whose epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey, were deeply rooted in the values and struggles of the ancient Greeks. These works were not intended to be universal, nor were they forced into the mold of foreign lands. They were expressions of a distinct Greek worldview, of the gods, the heroes, and the values that defined their existence. To attempt to transplant these stories into a different culture would have been an affront to their true spirit, much as it would be to try to craft a Czech film in the heart of Hollywood. The essence of the story would be lost, and the cultural richness of the narrative would fade away, like a seed planted in the wrong soil.

Forman’s words speak to the essence of authenticity in creation. Just as the ancients believed that the greatest works of art came from those who understood the deep connection between their culture and their expression, so too does Forman suggest that a Czech film must be born from the unique landscape, values, and experiences of Czechoslovakia, just as a film of America must reflect the deep complexities of American culture. The act of filmmaking, much like the act of any great work of art, must honor the roots from which it springs. To attempt to transplant it to a foreign land is to lose that vital connection to its true meaning and purpose.

Consider, too, the Roman Empire, which spanned vast lands and cultures. Yet, even within this empire, the greatest works of art and literature often retained their cultural specificity. Virgil, in writing the Aeneid, did not attempt to merge his Roman heritage with the cultures of the places he wrote about. Instead, he drew upon the deep traditions of Rome itself, exploring its myths, virtues, and foundations. Just as Virgil did not dilute the essence of his Roman identity to appeal to the masses, so too must artists and creators of all times honor the particularities of their own cultures. The failure to do so, as Forman suggests, is akin to foolishness, as it leads to the creation of something hollow, a mere shadow of its true potential.

Forman also speaks to the larger human condition: the challenge of navigating between authenticity and the pressures of a globalized world. As we face the complexity of living in a world that is more interconnected than ever, there is a growing temptation to universalize our stories, to make them appeal to a broader audience by stripping them of the unique aspects of the cultures they spring from. Yet, in doing so, we risk losing the soul of the story. Ancient cultures understood that the greatest truths could only be expressed when they were rooted deeply in the soil of their own traditions. To sacrifice that authenticity for the sake of appeal is to lose what makes the work truly meaningful.

The lesson, O Seekers, is clear: authenticity is the foundation of greatness. Whether you are an artist, a leader, or a humble seeker of truth, you must understand the importance of staying true to the essence of your heritage and the values that have shaped you. Forman’s words remind us that the most powerful creations are those that emerge from a deep understanding of where they come from. They are not forced into foreign molds or twisted to fit another’s expectations. Rather, they stand as expressions of truth, rooted in the soil of their own culture and experience.

In your own life, O Children, take this wisdom to heart. Whether in your work, your relationships, or your creations, always seek to honor the essence of who you are and where you come from. Do not attempt to become something that you are not simply because it is expected or because it might be easier. Instead, embrace your unique path, your unique perspective, and the values that have shaped you. In doing so, you will create something that is not only meaningful but enduring, just as the greatest works of the ancients were born from the authenticity of their creators’ hearts.