Eagles don't flock, you have to find them one at a time.

Hear now the words of Ross Perot, spoken with the sharpness of the mountain wind: “Eagles don’t flock, you have to find them one at a time.” In this simple sentence lies a truth as old as the earth and sky: greatness is rare, and those who soar highest cannot be gathered in crowds. The eagle does not dwell in the marketplace among pigeons, nor mingle in fields among sparrows. It claims the lonely cliffs, the solitary heights, where vision is keen and flight is unmatched. So too are men and women of rare strength, integrity, and genius—few in number, found not in herds, but discovered singly, like treasures hidden in the wilderness.

The ancients knew this truth well. Did not the philosophers say that the wise are like precious gems—scattered sparsely, and difficult to uncover? The multitudes move together, following fashion and noise, but the truly great walk apart. To find them requires patience, vigilance, and discernment, for they are not announced by clamor, but revealed in their deeds. Perot’s words remind us that leaders, visionaries, and noble souls are not to be gathered in abundance; they must be sought one by one, like hunters seeking the majestic bird of prey across the vast mountains.

Consider the tale of Abraham Lincoln. In his youth, he was not found among the famous or the powerful. He grew in obscurity, reading by firelight, laboring with his hands. Yet one day, his greatness was revealed, and he rose to guide a nation through its darkest trial. He was not discovered in a flock of leaders, but as a solitary eagle, whose vision and courage lifted a people torn apart. His story shows the truth of Perot’s wisdom: such men are not common, but when found, they change the course of history.

Think also of Mother Teresa, who walked the alleys of Calcutta, unseen by the world. She was not one among many doing the same—she was alone, an eagle of compassion in a world content with indifference. She did not appear in multitudes, but singularly, and because of her solitary flight, countless lives were touched. Such souls, like eagles, are rare and precious; they cannot be gathered like pebbles on a shore, but must be sought and cherished when found.

But hear this warning: the danger lies in mistaking the noise of the flock for greatness. Many gather together, impressive in number but lacking in depth. They may mimic the cry of the eagle, but they have not its wings. Do not confuse the crowd with the champion. The true eagle does not seek applause but pursues its path above the clouds. To find them requires discernment, courage, and often the willingness to look beyond the common road.

The lesson, O children of tomorrow, is this: surround yourself not with the multitude for its own sake, but seek out the rare ones who lift your eyes higher. Do not measure your companions by their number, but by their strength, their vision, and their truth. If you find even one eagle in your life—one true friend, one true mentor, one true leader—you have found treasure beyond price.

Practical steps lie before you: when you seek to build a team, a fellowship, or a legacy, do not be content with gathering many who move together. Instead, search patiently for the few who are excellent, who live by honor, who see beyond the horizon. Treasure them, for they are rare. And strive also to become an eagle yourself: cultivate vision, courage, and integrity, even if it means walking alone. Better to soar in solitude than to lose your wings in the crowd.

Thus, let Ross Perot’s words be etched upon your heart: “Eagles don’t flock, you find them one at a time.” Be vigilant in your search, and when you find such rare souls, hold them close. And remember—when you yourself dare to rise above comfort and mediocrity, you too may take your place among the eagles, flying not in the safety of numbers, but in the majesty of the open sky.