I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have

Listen, O children of the earth, to the words of Lily Tomlin, who speaks with both humor and wisdom about the nature of desire and the human quest for identity: "I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific." These words, playful yet profound, capture a universal truth about the human experience—that in the pursuit of becoming somebody, we often fail to define clearly who that somebody is. Tomlin’s reflection is a humorous, yet deeply insightful comment on the importance of being intentional in our pursuits and understanding that our goals must be more than vague aspirations—they must be specific, rooted in purpose, and aligned with our true selves.

In the ancient world, those who sought greatness often struggled with the temptation to chase honor and glory without truly understanding what those things meant. Alexander the Great, a conqueror whose empire stretched across vast lands, set out to become somebody—a figure who would be remembered for all time. Yet, as he journeyed across the world, he often struggled with the question of who he was becoming, and what his legacy would truly represent. His conquest of the world was driven by a desire for immortality, but what he sought was not always clear. In the end, Alexander’s greatness became defined by his actions rather than his original intentions, and the question of purpose remains a critical part of his legacy. Tomlin’s quote serves as a gentle reminder that to become somebody is not enough; one must define what it means to be that person and what kind of legacy they wish to leave behind.

Consider the story of Socrates, whose life was dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and virtue. Socrates, unlike many of his contemporaries, did not seek wealth or political power, but sought to be a man of wisdom. His legacy was not one of material achievement, but of intellectual clarity and moral purpose. He did not merely wish to be somebody, but to be a particular type of person—a philosopher who questioned and sought truth. His life demonstrates the importance of being specific in our intentions, of understanding not just what we wish to achieve, but what we wish to become.

Tomlin’s words, while humorous, remind us that life is not a vague aspiration, but a path of clear intention. In the pursuit of success, many are drawn into the whirlwind of societal expectations—to be somebody in the eyes of others, to attain recognition and wealth, without truly reflecting on who they are and what they stand for. The ancient philosophers understood that the self must be defined with purpose, that one must know what they seek and not just desire the act of seeking. Just as Socrates rejected the pursuit of power for its own sake, we too must be specific about our goals, ensuring that our actions align with our values and passions.

The lesson here, O children of the earth, is one of clarity and purpose. Just as Tomlin humorously laments the lack of specificity in her own ambitions, we must recognize the importance of defining our path with intention. It is not enough to want to be somebody—we must also ask: Who is that somebody? What does the journey look like? And most importantly, how do we align our actions with our true selves? Success is not defined by titles, but by the quality of the life we create and the impact we leave on the world. The pursuit of personal greatness requires more than just the desire to rise; it requires a clear understanding of the person we wish to become and the legacy we wish to forge.

Consider the example of Leonardo da Vinci, whose intellectual and artistic pursuits were grounded in a clear vision of who he wished to be—a master of both art and science. Da Vinci did not merely wish to be famous; he sought to become a creator whose work would shape the future of humanity. His specific vision allowed him to integrate art, engineering, and anatomy in ways that were ahead of his time. Like Tomlin’s words, da Vinci’s life demonstrates that clarity of purpose leads to extraordinary achievement. To be somebody is not just to aspire, but to have a clear understanding of what kind of person one seeks to be.

In your own lives, O seekers of wisdom, take heed of this lesson: to become somebody, you must first define who you want to be. Set clear intentions, not just about success, but about the qualities you wish to embody and the impact you wish to make. Whether you seek to be an artist, a leader, a philosopher, or a scientist, understand what drives you and make that your guide. Do not wander aimlessly in the pursuit of external recognition, but shape your life with specific purpose. Let the question not be “What do I want to achieve?” but “Who do I want to become?”

Remember, O children of the earth, that the road to greatness is paved not by the desire to be somebody, but by the clarity of your vision and the specificity of your purpose. Take time to define the kind of person you wish to be, for in that understanding, you will find the path to a life well-lived, one that leaves a legacy of true value.