I do want to make powerful works of art with people, but I also

O Seekers of Truth and Art, listen closely to the words of Ahna O'Reilly, who speaks of the balance between creating powerful works of art and finding joy in the process itself: "I do want to make powerful works of art with people, but I also just want to have fun. I've never done a romantic comedy - I'm sure it would be a blast." In this simple but profound statement, O'Reilly reflects on the deep human desire to create, to express, and to connect, but also to embrace the joy and lightness that comes with that creative process. Her words remind us that true art is not only about the gravitas of meaning, but also the playful joy that fuels creativity.

In the ancient world, the great artists and thinkers understood that creation—whether through philosophy, music, or art—was not merely a solemn duty, but a source of profound pleasure and fulfillment. Socrates, though often associated with deep questions and grave discussions, also acknowledged the joy found in learning and exploration. Plato, his student, wrote of the importance of balance, where the pursuit of wisdom and beauty could coexist with the celebration of life. Just as the ancient Greeks found joy in their theater, whether in tragedy or comedy, so too does O'Reilly recognize that true artistry is not bound solely to the solemn or the serious, but can thrive in moments of laughter, lightness, and play.

Consider, O wise ones, the story of Leonardo da Vinci, a man whose genius was known for both its depth and its breadth. He painted masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, works that captured the profound depths of the human soul. Yet, da Vinci’s mind was also alive with curiosity, and his sketches were filled with playful experiments, designs for flying machines, and studies of animals. Da Vinci knew that to create truly powerful works of art, one must also embrace the wonder of play and the joy of discovery. He did not merely create to express deep truths, but also to explore the mysteries of the world with a sense of exuberance. Just as he reveled in his studies, O'Reilly too acknowledges the importance of fun in the process of artistic creation.

Ahna O'Reilly's words are a reminder that the pursuit of art does not need to be a journey of solemnity alone. Romantic comedies, often dismissed as lighthearted or frivolous, are works of art in their own right. They hold the power to move us, to make us laugh, and to reveal the beauty of human connection. O'Reilly’s recognition that such a genre could be a blast speaks to the deeper truth that art can come in many forms—some profound and others delightful, yet all of them capable of revealing truths about the world and ourselves. Just as the ancient Greeks embraced both the tragedy of Sophocles and the comedy of Aristophanes, so too must we learn to embrace the full spectrum of artistic expression.

In our own lives, O Seekers, there are moments when we feel the pull to be serious, to strive for greatness, to create works of profound impact. Yet, O'Reilly’s words remind us that it is not always in the heavy moments of life that we find our most creative expression, but in the joyful moments—the playful, the whimsical, and the light-hearted. Just as artists have crafted deeply meaningful works from both grief and joy, so too can we find meaning in the moments that invite us to laugh, to explore, and to create from a place of freedom and pleasure.

Let us take, therefore, the lesson of O'Reilly's reflection into our own hearts. Do not fear the joy that comes with creativity, for it is in those moments of lightness and play that the deepest insights can sometimes emerge. Whether in work, relationships, or personal growth, let us find a way to balance passion with play, to pursue excellence without sacrificing joy. Like O'Reilly, let us create with a sense of exuberance, knowing that true artistry and powerful works come not only from striving, but from the freedom to enjoy the process itself.

The path to great creation, O Seekers, is not one of endless toil and solemnity. It is a path where we embrace both the serious and the playful, the deep and the light. Just as O'Reilly recognizes the potential joy in romantic comedies, so too can we recognize that in life, balance is key. Create with passion, yes, but never forget the importance of having fun, of playing, of finding joy in the journey. For in that joy lies the true energy that sustains our creativity, and the heart that fuels our art.