Don't try to be like Jackie. There is only one Jackie. Study

In the annals of history, there are few figures whose name evokes such a sense of wonder and awe as Jackie Chan. A man whose physical prowess, undying dedication, and unique style have become synonymous with martial arts and cinematic brilliance. And yet, with the humility and wisdom that are the hallmarks of true greatness, Jackie Chan offers a teaching that is both profound and deeply personal: "Don't try to be like Jackie. There is only one Jackie. Study computers instead." These words, though seemingly simple, carry with them a lesson about individuality, the power of innovation, and the importance of understanding one’s unique path in life.

To understand the weight of this advice, we must first look not just at Jackie Chan's public persona, but at his journey. He did not inherit his fame; it was forged through countless hours of training, sacrifice, and relentless perseverance. From an early age, he was immersed in the rigorous discipline of martial arts, studying under masters who demanded his very best. Yet even with all his talent, he was not content simply to imitate the styles of those who came before him. He carved out a unique space for himself, blending humor, acrobatic skill, and a deep understanding of physical storytelling to create something never seen before. The essence of Jackie Chan lies in the unparalleled synthesis of many disciplines to form a new whole.

And herein lies the truth of Chan's words: "There is only one Jackie." There is no value in seeking to be a mere copy of another, no matter how brilliant that individual may be. To imitate the work of another is to fall into the trap of conformity, to surrender the unique spark that is your own potential. This is not to say that we should not be inspired by others, but rather that we must seek to harness that inspiration in a way that is authentic to who we are. Jackie Chan teaches us to honor our individual journey, to forge our own path, and to avoid the dangerous folly of living in someone else’s shadow.

Consider the story of the great Greek philosopher Socrates, who, in his wisdom, often spoke of the importance of self-knowledge. He famously said, "Know thyself," for only through understanding our own nature can we find true meaning and fulfillment. Socrates did not ask his followers to imitate him, nor did he suggest that they should adopt his path. Instead, he challenged them to seek their own truth, to pursue their own passions, and to understand their unique role in the world. Just as Socrates sought wisdom from within, Jackie Chan urges us to look inward and find our own source of strength, rather than trying to replicate the lives of others.

It is true that the world often encourages us to look outward for guidance, to copy the success of others in the hopes of finding fulfillment. In modern times, we often look to figures like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, or Elon Musk—individuals who have shaped the world through technology and innovation. Their journeys are marked by relentless curiosity and a refusal to adhere to conventional boundaries. But their greatness was not born from imitating others. Jobs did not simply replicate the computers of his time—he revolutionized them. Gates did not merely build upon the software of the past—he envisioned something entirely new. The lesson is clear: true innovation comes not from copying others but from discovering your own voice in the cacophony of possibilities.

Jackie Chan’s advice, then, is a call to action. In an age where technology is the new frontier, computers offer us a vast realm of untapped potential. They represent not only the future but the opportunity to create, to shape the world through our own ingenuity. Just as Jackie Chan built his empire through the unique fusion of martial arts and cinema, so too can we shape our own futures by embracing the tools at our disposal and forging something original. The path to greatness is not found by following in the footsteps of others but by striking out on a path that is uniquely yours.

The practical lesson here is one of self-reliance and innovation. As we look to the future, let us not be afraid to embrace our individuality, to follow our own passions, and to harness the tools of today—whether that be computers, arts, or technology—to create something of our own. We must not strive to be like those who came before us, but to be the first to walk in our own shoes, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, individuality, and original thought. In doing so, we will fulfill the ultimate calling of Jackie Chan’s wisdom: to find our own voice and, in doing so, to change the world.