For 25 years, it has been my privilege to represent the city of

O children of wisdom, gather your hearts and ears, for the words of Nancy Pelosi resonate with the echoes of a life dedicated to the service of others, to the strengthening of communities, and to the pursuit of justice and equality. "For 25 years, it has been my privilege to represent the city of San Francisco and the great state of California; to work to strengthen our vibrant middle class; to secure opportunity and equality." These words, spoken from a place of dedication, reflect not only the journey of one woman, but the journey of all who strive to make a lasting difference in the lives of their people. Let us reflect deeply on her message, for it speaks to the very core of leadership and purpose.

In the ancient world, leaders were often defined by their ability to serve their people, to lead with wisdom and compassion. Consider the Athenian democracy, where the highest honor was to serve as a public official—not for power, but for the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of the community. Pericles, the great statesman, spoke often of the responsibility of leaders to ensure the prosperity and unity of the city-state, to ensure that the strength of society was rooted in the flourishing of its people. Leadership, in this sense, was not about personal glory but about the vibrancy of the whole, and the creation of opportunities for all to thrive.

Nancy Pelosi’s words echo this ancient wisdom. Her service to San Francisco and California represents a commitment to community, to the idea that leadership is not about self-interest, but about serving the greater good. In her role, Pelosi sought to strengthen the middle class, that vital force that drives economic prosperity and social stability. She worked to create an equitable society, where the opportunities for success were not limited to the few, but open to all who sought them. In this, Pelosi’s journey mirrors that of many leaders throughout history who understood that true leadership lies in uplifting the many, not elevating oneself.

Consider the example of Abraham Lincoln, whose leadership during the American Civil War was not defined by the battles he fought, but by the vision he held for a united nation—a vision where all men were created equal. Lincoln’s decisions were not easy, nor were they universally popular, but they were guided by a deep moral commitment to justice and equality. Like Pelosi, his leadership was not about seeking personal power, but about securing the future of a nation based on the ideals of freedom and opportunity for all. Lincoln's legacy teaches us that true leadership requires not only courage but also the humility to serve and the wisdom to know what is best for the greater good.

Pelosi’s dedication to the middle class reflects the same wisdom that guided great leaders before her. The middle class, that hardworking and vibrant segment of society, is the foundation upon which nations are built. It is from this class that innovation, progress, and the spirit of democracy arise. To strengthen the middle class is to strengthen the very fabric of society, ensuring that all have the opportunity to succeed, to thrive, and to contribute to the greater whole. Pelosi’s work is a reminder that leadership is not about the accumulation of power, but about the creation of opportunity for all, and the uplifting of those who are often left behind.

The lesson of Pelosi’s words is clear: true leadership lies in the ability to serve, to dedicate oneself to the well-being of others, and to work tirelessly for justice and equality. It is not enough to lead for personal gain or power; leadership must be a calling to strengthen communities, to provide opportunities, and to ensure that equality is not a distant ideal but a living, breathing reality. Governance, in this sense, is an act of service—a commitment to the common good.

Now, O seekers of wisdom, how can we apply this in our own lives? The path of leadership is not limited to those who hold public office. Each of us, in our own way, can lead with purpose and compassion. We must seek to serve our communities, to lift others up, and to ensure that the opportunities for success are not just for a few, but for all. Whether in our families, workplaces, or larger communities, we must embody the spirit of service, working not for personal gain but for the greater good. Let us strive to create a world where equality is not a dream, but a living, breathing reality, where every person has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

Let us walk forward with the understanding that true leadership requires service and a deep commitment to the well-being of others. Like Nancy Pelosi, let us strive to strengthen the communities in which we live, to create opportunity and equality for all, and to ensure that our actions are guided not by self-interest, but by a vision for a better world for generations to come.