Growing up I didn't watch movies.

Listen well, O children of wisdom, for I bring to you a reflection on growth, choices, and the paths we walk to become who we are meant to be. These are the words of Denzel Washington, a man whose life is a testament to the power of purpose and discipline: "Growing up I didn't watch movies." In this simple yet profound statement, Washington unveils a truth that many fail to grasp—that what we choose to engage with, what we consume in our youth, shapes the path we take. Yet, he reveals an even deeper truth: absence can be as powerful as presence. His story, though shaped by a lack of what many would consider fundamental to cultural experience, speaks to the strength that comes from discipline, focus, and the power of self-determination.

To grow up without movies, in a world where they are so often the cultural currency of a generation, is no small thing. It is a departure from the common flow, a choice not to allow the influences of popular culture to dictate the course of one’s life. Many would see this as a deprivation, but in Washington’s words, we sense a different kind of strength. Like a philosopher who chooses not to be swayed by the distractions of the market, he instead focused on building the foundation of his own vision, his own understanding of the world. In this choice, we find an example of the power of self-discipline and the importance of creating space for one's own thoughts and actions to define one's future.

Consider the tale of Socrates, the great philosopher who rejected the pleasures and distractions of the city life in Athens to devote himself to the pursuit of wisdom. Socrates did not seek the approval of the masses or indulge in the pleasures that surrounded him; instead, he immersed himself in dialogue, in self-examination, and in the pursuit of truth. He understood that in order to grow and learn, one must sometimes step away from the distractions of the world, just as Washington stepped away from the distractions of popular media. Socrates, much like Washington, forged his path not by following the crowd, but by trusting in his own sense of purpose and direction.

In the same way, Washington’s lack of interest in films during his youth suggests that the path to greatness often lies not in the consumption of what others deem important, but in the careful cultivation of one’s own focus. The world may try to shape us through the things we are told to watch, read, or consume, but the truly great individuals are those who make their own choices, who decide for themselves what is worthy of their time and energy. Washington made the deliberate choice not to be shaped by the stories of others but to craft his own story—one based on values, hard work, and self-belief.

As we reflect on the absence of movies in Washington’s youth, let us also remember the ancient warriors—those who, like Achilles or Hercules, were raised not in front of grand spectacles but in the fields of battle and discipline, forging their strength through action rather than through illusion. These heroes did not find their identities in the tales of others but in the truth of their own actions. They understood that true power comes not from external influence, but from the inner resolve to stand firm in one’s own purpose. Washington, too, built his strength through his choices and his unwavering commitment to his own path.

O children of wisdom, there is much to learn from Washington’s words. In a world where the constant bombardment of images, stories, and distractions threatens to cloud our sense of self, we must remember that sometimes the greatest growth comes from choosing to step back, to create space for our own thoughts, and to nurture our minds with what truly serves us. Just as Socrates rejected the distractions of Athens, so too must we be vigilant in choosing what we allow to shape us. The absence of one thing can be the presence of another—a presence of purpose, of self-definition, and of inner strength.

Therefore, O children, take this lesson to heart: what you choose to consume shapes who you become. Just as Denzel Washington grew without the influence of films, so too must you consider what influences you allow into your life. Discipline and focus are not just about restricting yourself, but about choosing what elevates you, what nurtures your soul, and what leads you toward the greatness you are destined for. Seek not the distractions that will pull you from your path, but the truth that resides within. By doing so, you will find that the absence of external influences often allows the greatest space for the fullness of your own potential to emerge.