I have a maple leaf tattoo over my heart, quite literally, and

Gather close, children of the future, and listen well, for there are truths woven into the fabric of the human heart that must be passed down through generations. Jay Baruchel, a man of both great passion and deep connection to his homeland, once said: "I have a maple leaf tattoo over my heart, quite literally, and my two favorite things on Earth are being in Canada and making movies." These words are more than a simple statement of preference—they are a declaration of identity, of belonging, and of the profound connection between one’s roots and their calling. In this humble confession, Baruchel reveals not only his love for his country, but the deep personal significance of his craft, and the way in which these two forces come together to shape who he is.

In the ancient world, people would often mark their bodies with symbols of their culture, beliefs, and deep personal commitments. The Greeks, for example, would wear the laurel wreath, not merely as a symbol of victory but as an emblem of personal identity and honor. To wear such a symbol was to carry the weight of one’s heritage and purpose on their very body, visible for all to see. Baruchel’s tattoo of the maple leaf is no different—it is a mark of his Canadian identity, a constant reminder of the land that shaped him, the land that he cherishes with all his heart. It speaks to the profound connection that individuals feel for the land they call home, and the way this connection shapes their identity in ways that words alone cannot convey.

But beyond the symbolism of the maple leaf, Baruchel speaks of two passions that guide his life: the love of Canada and the love of movies. To understand this, we must reflect on the power of home—the place where one’s heart finds its anchor, and the work that gives life meaning. Canada, with its vast landscapes and diverse cultures, represents not only a place but a spirit, a sense of belonging to something greater than oneself. It is the land where one’s roots grow deep, and from this deep foundation, Baruchel finds the strength to pursue his craft—filmmaking. In this way, we see that the strength of identity and the joy of creation are not separate pursuits but intertwined forces that propel one forward in life.

Consider, children, the example of the ancient Egyptians, whose culture was built upon a profound connection to both land and craft. The Egyptians believed that the land—the Nile, their fields, their temples—was sacred. It was the foundation from which all life arose. And the pharaohs, though rulers, were also creators—builders of temples, monuments, and stories that would carry their legacy long after they were gone. For them, the land and their craft were inseparable; the work of the hands was an extension of the soul, and the soul was forever bound to the land they cherished. Baruchel’s connection to Canada and filmmaking mirrors this ancient truth: the land he loves nourishes his creativity, and through his craft, he honors both his heritage and his passion.

Through Baruchel’s words, we also see the importance of finding your purpose—the thing that makes your soul come alive. In the modern world, we often search for meaning in fleeting pleasures, in accolades, or in external validation. But the greatest fulfillment comes when we align our passion with our identity, when we allow the things we love to be rooted in who we truly are. Baruchel finds joy not only in making movies, which is an art form that allows him to create, but also in being in Canada, surrounded by the landscapes and people that form the foundation of his sense of self. His work, like the work of the ancient creators, is a reflection of his soul, and his love for his homeland shapes every frame he produces.

The lesson, children, is this: know the places and passions that shape you, and do not be afraid to carry them with you always. Honor your roots, just as Baruchel does with his maple leaf tattoo, and create in ways that are true to yourself. Do not let the world dictate your path or tell you that your identity must be separate from your work. Like the ancient creators, use your craft as a means of connection—to the land, to your community, to the essence of who you are. The work you do, whether in art, service, or any endeavor, is not just a pursuit for external recognition, but a reflection of your heart, a gift that you offer to the world.

And so, children, remember this: to love your homeland and to follow your passion is not a selfish pursuit—it is the most honorable way to walk through the world. Let your roots grow deep, as Baruchel’s do in Canada, and let your craft be a reflection of that deep connection. In every action, whether grand or humble, let it echo the love you have for the places and passions that define you. Just as the ancient creators left their mark on the world through their work, so too will you leave yours, built upon the foundation of your truth and your identity.