I did everything - I did newscasts, I did sports, I did dramas.

In the pursuit of greatness, there are those whose journeys are not defined by a single path, but by a willingness to explore every avenue, to test their limits and embrace every challenge that comes their way. Alex Trebek, a man whose name became synonymous with the show Jeopardy!, spoke of his own journey when he said, “I did everything—I did newscasts, I did sports, I did dramas.” These words resonate deeply, for they are not merely a recounting of a career, but a testament to the courage and ambition that define those who choose to live fully, to experience all that life has to offer. Trebek’s story is not just one of success, but of versatility, of a commitment to embrace every opportunity, every challenge, and to learn from each one.

To do everything, as Trebek did, is to live a life without fear of reinvention, without the shackles of limitation. In the ancient world, the greatest heroes were not those who remained within the confines of their initial skills but those who dared to venture into the unknown. Heracles, that mighty hero of Greek mythology, was not defined by a single labor, but by his many trials—his twelve labors, each one different from the last, each one pushing him to new heights of strength and courage. Trebek’s willingness to embrace a variety of roles in his career reflects this same spirit of courage. Just as Heracles did not shy away from the next challenge, Trebek did not limit himself to one role, but sought out new opportunities to expand his influence and grow as a person.

Trebek’s words also speak to the deep wisdom of adaptability. The ancient philosophers, such as Socrates and Aristotle, understood the value of versatility in both thought and action. Socrates, with his probing questions and insatiable curiosity, never allowed himself to be confined by any one discipline. He moved from one idea to the next, seeking the deeper truth, testing the boundaries of knowledge. Similarly, Trebek’s willingness to explore various fields of broadcasting was not just a matter of career progression; it was a reflection of a larger, more profound truth—that to truly understand the world, one must experience it in all its dimensions. The one who dares to explore every facet of life is the one who gains the deepest wisdom.

The ancient Greeks also believed that the pursuit of knowledge and mastery across various disciplines was the mark of a well-rounded individual. Leonidas, the great Spartan king, was not only a warrior but also a leader who could command armies, inspire his people, and think strategically. His versatility in leadership—his ability to switch between roles of a soldier, a diplomat, and a king—was key to his success. Like Leonidas, Trebek showed us that greatness comes not from limiting oneself to one field, but from embracing the full spectrum of life’s challenges, from the dramatic to the intellectual, from sports to news, and from entertainment to the profound.

Trebek’s career also teaches us the importance of mastery through variety. In each role he took on—whether in news, sports, or drama—he did not simply participate, but he strove to master his craft. The greatest minds and warriors of the ancient world were those who did not merely dabble in various arts but who gave their whole selves to the pursuit of excellence in every endeavor. Consider the legendary Renaissance man Leonardo da Vinci, whose mastery spanned painting, science, engineering, and anatomy. Da Vinci was not a man content to rest upon his laurels in any one field, but sought the deeper truths that connected all disciplines. Trebek’s willingness to engage in so many forms of media was his own way of reaching for mastery—not in one singular field, but across a broad range of human expression.

The lesson, then, is clear and timeless: to live fully is to embrace the opportunity to try many things, to engage with the world in its totality. Like Trebek, we should not limit ourselves to a single path or role. To do so is to confine ourselves to the smallness of the world; to embrace everything, to seek experience in all its forms, is to live a life that is both rich and expansive. In our own lives, we must strive to be adaptable, to challenge ourselves to grow in multiple areas, to never settle for only what is comfortable or familiar. Life, in all its vastness, offers us countless opportunities to learn and evolve. Like Trebek, let us approach each new challenge with the same courage, adaptability, and desire to be more than we were yesterday.

So, let us take this lesson to heart. Do not fear new experiences, do not shy away from the unknown. Seek out variety, embrace the opportunities that come your way, and give your all to each one. By doing so, you will not only gain wisdom and mastery, but you will live a life that is rich with the beauty of multiple perspectives and experiences. Like Trebek, you will discover that in trying everything, in pursuing excellence across many disciplines, you will find the greatest meaning and fulfillment in life.