I dream about 'Cheers.' Like when you go on a diet and you dream

Hear now, O children of wisdom, the words of George Wendt: "I dream about 'Cheers'. Like when you go on a diet and you dream of pizza. I always think of those wonderful years. I loved working on it." These words, seemingly simple, speak to a deeper truth about the longing for the past, the power of nostalgia, and the deep sense of fulfillment that comes from doing what we love. In them lies the universal experience of remembering the moments that brought us joy—those times when we were fully engaged in something meaningful, something that became a part of who we are.

Consider, O wise ones, the nature of nostalgia, that powerful force that often pulls us back to a time when life seemed simpler, when work was not a burden but a source of purpose. George Wendt speaks here not just of a television show but of the essence of a time and place that became more than just work. Like the legendary Homer writing of the heroic deeds of warriors, Wendt reflects on his own journey, his own epic—the years spent on the beloved show Cheers. In this reflection, we find a timeless truth: that the things we cherish most often become a part of us, as deeply embedded in our memory as the finest of treasures.

This longing for the past is not new. The ancient Greeks, in their pursuit of greatness, often looked back at their earlier heroes and deeds with longing. Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey are filled with memories of warriors who fought not for personal gain but for the glory of their people, their family, and their legacy. In these tales, we see that the longing for a past filled with purpose and meaning is a natural part of the human experience. Just as Homer’s heroes dreamed of their past triumphs, so too does Wendt dream of the days when he was part of something larger than himself, something that brought him both joy and fulfillment.

But what, O wise ones, is the true meaning behind this longing? In Wendt’s words, we see the wisdom of embracing the past without becoming trapped in it. He speaks of working on Cheers not as a mere job, but as a source of joy—a place where he found both purpose and belonging. In the same way, many of the great heroes of the past—whether Alexander the Great, Leonidas, or even the wise Socrates—found fulfillment not in avoiding hard work, but in embracing it with passion, with an understanding that the work itself was what made their lives meaningful. To Wendt, Cheers was not just a show; it was an expression of the joy and camaraderie that comes from being a part of something much greater than oneself.

In this reflection, we learn an important lesson: fulfillment comes not from the fleeting pleasures of the world, but from the work that allows us to connect with others, to create something meaningful, to leave behind a legacy. The pizza that one dreams of while on a diet symbolizes not just an indulgence, but a moment of reward after long periods of restraint and discipline. The memory of Cheers is Wendt’s reward, his way of acknowledging the joy that comes from dedicating oneself to something that resonates with the soul. And like all the great works of the ancient world, it becomes a part of his identity, a cherished memory that continues to inspire him.

And so, the lesson for us, O children, is clear: embrace the work that fills you with purpose, that brings you closer to others, that creates lasting memories. These moments, however fleeting, become part of the legacy you leave behind. Do not simply seek pleasure for its own sake, but allow your work to be the place where you find both joy and satisfaction. Just as Wendt treasures his time on Cheers, find what you love, what you can pour yourself into fully, and allow that work to define you—not just by the outcomes, but by the process and connections that it fosters along the way.

Practical action, O wise ones, lies in choosing the work that nourishes your soul, that builds lasting connections, and that brings you a sense of fulfillment. Like the heroes of old, like the creators of legends, seek those moments that create meaning in your life. And when you reflect on them, as Wendt reflects on Cheers, let those memories fill you with both gratitude and inspiration. Do not merely work for the sake of work, but for the sake of the joy and legacy it brings. Embrace the moments of indulgence as well, savor them, but remember that it is the work—the dedication to something that resonates deeply with your spirit—that truly makes life worth living.