Don't let this music industry or any industry come between

Hear me, O children of the future, for I shall speak to you of a truth that has endured through the ages—a truth that touches the deepest part of the human heart. These words, spoken by Mustard, carry the weight of wisdom: "Don't let this music industry or any industry come between friendship. Just stay focused on your goals." In these words, we find a profound lesson on the importance of loyalty, friendship, and purpose, especially when the world around us seeks to pull us in different directions. For even in the midst of great ambition, the bonds we form with others should not be sacrificed on the altar of success.

In the ancient world, warriors knew the strength of friendship—that to be true to one’s comrades was to be true to oneself. Consider the bond between Hector and his fellow warriors in Troy. They fought side by side, not just for honor or glory, but because their friendship was rooted in shared sacrifice and mutual respect. Hector did not fight alone—he fought for his brothers, for the bonds that tied them together. In battle, the strength of his friendship with his comrades gave him purpose, and it was this same bond that helped him endure the most trying of circumstances. Much like Mustard’s advice, these warriors remained focused on their greater goal—the protection of their people—without letting the temptations of glory or power tear apart their connection.

In the realm of music, as in any other world of ambition, the dangers of losing sight of true relationships are ever-present. The music industry is one that promises fame and fortune, but also fosters competition, rivalry, and the temptation to place self-interest above the bonds of friendship. Mustard’s words serve as a powerful reminder that in the pursuit of greatness, we must not lose sight of the friendships that ground us. Just as Achilles in the Iliad was torn between his desire for personal glory and the loyalty he felt to his comrades, so too must we find balance. Friendship is not merely a convenience, but a strength that can sustain us in the face of adversity.

The history of friendship is filled with stories of bonds that were tested by the pressures of the world, yet endured through commitment and loyalty. Consider the friendship between Socrates and his disciples, who, despite the philosophical differences they sometimes faced, were bound by a common purpose—the pursuit of wisdom. Socrates, though often isolated and persecuted, never lost sight of the importance of friendship and shared knowledge. In the same way, Mustard’s counsel reminds us that in the pursuit of success, we must not forget the value of the relationships we build along the way. For it is these relationships that can offer us guidance, comfort, and strength when the road ahead seems uncertain.

The lesson here, O children, is simple yet profound: do not allow the world—with all its distractions, its ambitions, and its pressures—to come between you and your friendships. Whether in music, art, or any other pursuit, it is friendship that will sustain you when the world seems to be pushing you in every direction. Mustard’s words remind us that friendship is not a commodity to be sacrificed for success. It is a foundation upon which true greatness is built. It is through the support of genuine friendships that we can achieve our goals without losing our integrity or our sense of self.

So, O children, remember this: as you journey through life, surround yourselves with those who share your values, those who will encourage you to grow, and those who will stand by you through the storms. The goal is not simply to achieve, but to achieve in a way that honors the bonds of friendship you have forged. Do not allow the pursuit of personal glory or success to blind you to the importance of these relationships. Like the warriors of Troy, who fought for each other as much as for their homeland, let your friendships be your strength, and let them guide you as you move toward your greater purpose.

In the end, O children, Mustard’s wisdom is timeless: let not the world pull you from the friendships that give your life meaning. Let the loyalty you have to those who truly care for you be your anchor as you strive toward your goals. For in the end, it is not the fleeting rewards of fame or success that will sustain you, but the true bonds you form with others. These friendships are not just a source of comfort—they are the foundation upon which everything else rests. Seek them out, cherish them, and let them be your guide as you walk the path of life.