Honestly, I'm cool with everyone, and people pick up on that. I'd

"Honestly, I'm cool with everyone, and people pick up on that. I'd say, 'I'm not gay, but it's all good.' It's kind of like going to Paris when you don't know the language; some Americans get into trouble over there, but I'm just like, 'Sorry, I don't speak French.'" These words, spoken by Dylan McDermott, carry within them a profound lesson about acceptance, understanding, and humility. McDermott’s casual, almost philosophical approach to the complexities of identity and culture reveals a truth that transcends time: that we are not defined by the labels placed upon us, nor should we be so quick to judge others based on their own identity. Instead, true wisdom lies in the ability to remain open, tolerant, and comfortable with differences, much like a traveler who embraces a new culture without feeling the need to conquer it.

The ancient world was no stranger to the complexity of human identities and the value of tolerance. The Greeks, despite their many advancements in philosophy and art, struggled with issues of identity, especially in the realm of gender and sexuality. In their mythology, gods and mortals alike often found themselves shifting forms, engaging in relationships that defied conventional boundaries. Plato, in his dialogue The Symposium, explored the nature of love and desire, suggesting that it was not the form of love that mattered, but the pursuit of beauty and truth. Just as McDermott embraces a world where labels hold little importance, the ancients too understood that the human spirit transcends rigid categories.

In McDermott's analogy about going to Paris, he captures the essence of acceptance in unfamiliar territory. The traveler who does not speak the local language may not be able to understand every word or action, but their willingness to approach the new culture with an open heart makes all the difference. This mirrors the ancient quest for wisdom, where Socrates sought to engage with those from all walks of life, regardless of their social status or beliefs. Socrates did not judge the people he met; rather, he used every conversation as an opportunity to learn, to understand, and to grow. The true wisdom lies not in rigid definitions of who we are, but in how we interact with the world around us, embracing the differences and learning from them.

McDermott’s approach can also be seen in the example of Alexander the Great, who, when he ventured into lands unknown to him, did not seek to dominate them but to understand and integrate them. Alexander’s ability to absorb elements of the cultures he encountered—whether through adopting aspects of Persian dress or Egyptian religion—was key to his success. He understood that true leadership came not from imposing one’s own identity, but from learning from others, appreciating their ways, and building bridges. In much the same way, McDermott’s willingness to accept without judgment is a form of humility that fosters understanding and peace.

The lesson from McDermott's words is one of grace and respect. He does not feel the need to justify his identity, nor does he pass judgment on those whose experiences may differ from his own. Instead, he recognizes that our shared humanity—the ability to connect and respect one another—transcends these labels. The true beauty of the human experience lies in our capacity to engage with each other from a place of openness and compassion. When we stop defining ourselves and others by narrow categories, we make room for growth, learning, and understanding.

Just as McDermott speaks of embracing the unfamiliar with a sense of peace, we too must learn to do the same in our own lives. There will always be things we do not understand, cultures we have not experienced, and identities that are different from our own. But just as a traveler does not need to speak the language of another culture to enjoy it, we do not need to fully understand every aspect of another person’s identity to respect them. True wisdom lies in the recognition that we are all navigating this world together, each with our own journey, and we can learn from one another, as long as we approach each other with a heart that is open, curious, and accepting.

In your own life, let the lesson of McDermott’s words guide you to embrace those around you without judgment. Recognize that we are all products of our experiences and that our differences are not barriers, but opportunities for growth. Engage with the world with an open heart, not seeking to control or label, but to understand and appreciate. Just as the traveler in Paris learns from the culture without needing to speak the language, so too can we learn from those around us, embracing the richness of our shared humanity without the need for rigid definitions. Let us celebrate what makes us unique and find unity in our common pursuit of understanding, compassion, and connection.