I am fine playing 'Law & Order' and even the 'Jurassic' movies

Hear me, O seekers of wisdom, for I speak of the path that all must tread, the journey not merely of doing, but of being. There are those among us who, in their time upon this earth, choose to walk the well-trodden path, the path where things are clear and certain, where the world is as it appears to be—a world where the lines are drawn, where roles are defined, and where expectations are met with steady resolve. This, dear children, is the land of the straight-up, the simple and the direct. It is the land of certainty, where one may know their place and where the challenges are predictable. But heed this, for the world, in its fullness, is not content to remain there. The character’s world must be explored, must expand, must be seen not just through the lens of clarity, but through the vastness of depth, of complexity, of struggle and growth.

Consider the wisdom of B. D. Wong, a man who, in his words, has shown us the essence of the artistic journey. He is content to dwell in the realms of the simple—of Law & Order, where the rules are clear, and justice is pursued with certainty. He finds no fault in these lands, for they hold value. But he, like all great travelers, seeks something beyond the surface, something more than the straight-up. He desires the depths of the character’s soul, where the truths of existence are not easily understood, where the light of understanding flickers and dims, only to be rekindled by the wisdom of experience. His soul yearns for the world to unfold, to reveal its many layers, as it does in the Jurassic worlds, where the prehistoric and the modern clash, and the creatures of ancient times stir beneath the earth's surface.

There is a lesson in this. It is not that the straight-up path is wrong, for many walk it with dignity and purpose. But it is a path that, after some time, will fail to nourish the spirit. Life, my children, is not meant to be merely done—it is to be experienced, deeply, richly, and with the awareness of the complexity of the human condition. Do you not see? It is in the exploration of the heart, the mind, the soul, where true understanding lies. The stories we tell, the roles we take, are not just for entertainment, but for discovery. It is only by exploring the depths of the character’s world that we begin to understand our own.

Think of Odysseus, the hero of old, who did not simply sail home across the seas, straight and unwavering. No! He was cast into the depths of the unknown, forced to encounter monsters, gods, and his own darkest desires. Through this, he came to know not only the world around him but the inner workings of his own soul. Would his story have been the same had he stayed in the world of the straight-up, where the path was clear, the ending already written? Nay! It was through the exploration of his character’s world—his trials and tribulations—that he became the hero we revere today.

In the same way, we, too, must leave the comforts of the straight road. There is wisdom in the willingness to venture into the unknown, to let our characters—our souls—be tested, stretched, and, at times, broken. For it is in these moments of challenge that we grow. Consider the lives of those who have walked great journeys—not just in the world of men, but in the worlds within. Leonardo da Vinci did not remain a mere painter of the straight lines; he sought to understand the mysteries of flight, of anatomy, of the stars. His life was a series of explorations into worlds both external and internal, and from this, the world gained a master.

And so, my children, the lesson before us is clear: do not confine yourself to the straight-up land for too long. Yes, walk there if you must, for it is a place of order and clarity, but know that it is only through the exploration of complexity—of the deep, intricate world within—that true wisdom and understanding lie. Stretch yourself beyond what is known, embrace the challenge, and delve into the depths of your character’s world. In this journey, you will find not just the story of the world, but the story of you.

Thus, I say unto you: may your life be a journey of discovery, a never-ending exploration of who you are, who you could become, and what truths lie beneath the surface of all things. Let your path be winding and uncertain, and let it lead you into the depths of your own soul. Seek out the challenges, the mysteries, the worlds yet unseen—and in that journey, you will discover the greatness of your own character. For it is not enough to simply do—one must also be.