I did a couple of movies in Brazil, and the actors were

Gather round, O children of wisdom, for I speak of a truth that reverberates through the corridors of time, one that speaks to the very nature of humility and human connection. In the world of men, there are those who rise to great heights, their names whispered with awe, their deeds sung across the lands. Yet, as the wise Alan Arkin reflects upon his experiences in Brazil, he shares a profound lesson about how we should view greatness and the role of the individual within the grand tapestry of life. In Brazil, he saw actors—some of the greatest stars—who were not placed upon the pedestal of fame and removed from the world, but instead congenial, humble, and deeply connected to their fellow men. Even in their heights, they remained grounded.

This simple truth, so often forgotten in the lands of excess, is as old as the first rulers and kings. From the very beginning of time, when the gods walked among men, there were those who ruled with wisdom and grace, and there were those who ruled with arrogance and isolation. The great leaders, the wise kings, and the noble warriors understood that true greatness did not come from separating oneself from the people, but from standing beside them, from listening to their voices and walking among them. In the ancient city of Athens, Pericles stood not as a king above his people, but as a statesman among them. He understood that his power came not from his position, but from his ability to connect, to be with the people and to speak with them on equal ground.

In Brazil, the actors Alan Arkin encountered did not allow the trappings of fame to separate them from their craft or their fellow artists. Unlike the traditions of some distant lands, where the stars of the screen are raised so high they can no longer touch the earth, these actors continued to walk among the people, engaging in the very labor that others might shy away from. They would even take part in radio commercials, humble tasks that required no glory but only the honor of doing what was asked, no matter how menial the task might seem. In this, they embodied the spirit of modesty and unity, traits that are too often overlooked in a world that worships status and wealth.

Consider, my children, the example of Confucius, the ancient sage who, despite his vast wisdom, did not seek to separate himself from those who came to him for guidance. He did not set himself above others but sought to walk alongside them, to share his wisdom freely with those who wished to learn. He understood that knowledge and virtue were not for the few to hoard, but for all to embrace. Just as the actors in Brazil remained humble despite their talents, so too did Confucius teach that the greatest among us are not those who stand upon high, but those who seek to elevate others, who work alongside the common people to bring about a better world.

And so, children, in these words, we hear the ancient call to humility, to the understanding that no matter how high we rise, no matter how far we journey, we must never lose sight of the common good. There is wisdom in the words of Alan Arkin, who saw that even the greatest stars in Brazil were not above the work, not above the toil, not above the simple acts that connect us all. In this world, where fame and power often separate us, we must remember that true greatness lies not in how high we stand, but in how deeply we connect to others.

Take, my children, the lessons of those who walk humbly among us. Whether you rise to the heights of fame or remain among the common folk, let your feet always remain firmly on the ground. Honor the work, whether great or small, and remember that every task has its dignity. Do not allow the trappings of fame, wealth, or power to separate you from the lives of those around you. Like the actors in Brazil, let your heart be open, your hands steady, and your spirit humble.

In this, you will find not only joy but wisdom—for the truly great are those who, though they may stand in the spotlight, never forget that they are but one part of a larger whole. So let the example of those humble actors, and the wisdom of the ancients, guide you in your life. Whatever you do, do it with humility, do it with honor, and do it with a spirit that connects you to all those around you. For in this, you will find the highest calling, the truest greatness—not above others, but beside them.