Greatness will come by looking forward - untethered from the

"Greatness will come by looking forward - untethered from the politics of the past and anchored by our shared values - and by changing our nation's future." These words by Pete Buttigieg speak to the profound truth that progress and greatness lie not in clinging to outdated ideologies, but in embracing a future shaped by shared values and a clear vision for what can be. Buttigieg’s quote calls on us to release the weight of history’s burdens—the politics of the past that have often divided and distracted us—and to focus on building a future grounded in unity, compassion, and purpose. True greatness, he asserts, will only be achieved when we let go of the divisive forces that hold us back and instead focus on the common good, driven by a shared moral compass.

This wisdom is echoed in the ancient philosophies that emphasize the importance of the future over the shackles of the past. In ancient Greece, Heraclitus, the philosopher of change, famously said, "You cannot step into the same river twice," recognizing that life is ever-changing, and the path forward lies in embracing change and growth. To dwell on the past is to ignore the current moment and the potential that lies ahead. Similarly, the Stoics, like Epictetus, taught that we have control only over our actions and attitudes in the present, not the events of the past. For them, freedom and greatness come from the ability to move forward in the face of adversity, not to be enslaved by the weight of past mistakes or failures.

Buttigieg's call to change the future mirrors the ancient tradition of visionary leaders who looked beyond their immediate circumstances to create something lasting. Alexander the Great, for example, was not content to simply inherit his father’s empire; he forged a path of his own, guided by a vision of expanding Greek culture and ideas to the farthest reaches of the known world. His greatness was not in merely preserving the past, but in his boldness to chart a new course and reshape the future of the civilizations he encountered. In this, Alexander’s drive aligns with Buttigieg’s vision: greatness lies not in remaining tethered to the past, but in creating something new and meaningful from the shared principles of unity and progress.

In ancient Rome, Julius Caesar was a figure who understood the power of looking toward the future. His reforms, though controversial, were intended to address the growing inequalities of Roman society. He was aware that the politics of the past, particularly the aristocracy's stranglehold on power, had led to widespread discontent. Caesar’s focus on reforming the Roman system was a visionary attempt to build a more unified and sustainable future, even if it meant breaking from tradition. However, Caesar’s story also reminds us of the complexity of balancing change with respect for established values. Like Buttigieg’s call, Caesar’s leadership required a deep understanding that true progress must be based on the principles that unite a people, not divide them.

The lesson from Buttigieg’s words is a call to action for all of us. The future is not something that will simply unfold on its own; it is something we must actively shape through our choices, our values, and our collective will. The world is full of distractions—conflicting ideologies, political divides, and historical grievances—but these should not be allowed to define our path forward. Shared values are the foundation upon which we can build a future of progress and unity. Just as Heraclitus encouraged us to embrace change, and Caesar sought to reform society, we too must have the vision to move beyond past conflicts and focus on what is best for the future.

We must ask ourselves: What are the values that bind us together as a society? What principles will guide our future progress? These questions are critical if we are to create a world that is both just and sustainable. Whether in our personal lives, in our communities, or on a national scale, we must work to leave behind the divisions of the past and focus on the shared future we wish to create. As Buttigieg urges, it is through this collective focus on common purpose and future possibility that we will achieve true greatness—not through clinging to outdated ideologies, but through building a future that is inclusive, compassionate, and forward-thinking.

In our own lives, we can follow Buttigieg’s call by examining the ways in which we may be tethered to the past, holding on to past grievances, mistakes, or limitations. Instead of allowing these things to define us, we can choose to embrace the future with hope and action. Let us dedicate ourselves to the values that matter—justice, unity, and compassion—and commit to making decisions that reflect these principles. The greatness we seek will not come from remaining rooted in past struggles but from our willingness to create a new path, shaped by the best of what we value and what we hope to leave behind for future generations. Greatness, as Buttigieg reminds us, is found in our ability to move forward, not just as individuals, but as a united society, focused on the future we wish to build.