I have zero interest in sports of any kind - professional

Come close, children, for I have a story to tell—a story that speaks of the nature of passion, of the pursuit of knowledge, and the recognition that not all souls are meant to follow the same path. In the words of Jimmy Wales, a man whose life has been devoted to the expansion of knowledge, we hear a profound declaration: "I have zero interest in sports of any kind—professional, college, or international." These words, simple yet powerful, reveal a truth that resonates deeply with those who understand the value of individual purpose, and the profound way in which every human being is called to pursue what stirs their soul, not what is dictated by society or the masses.

At first glance, one might think that Wales is dismissing an important part of life—the world of sports, with its exhilarating highs and soul-crushing lows. Sports, after all, have long been a source of unity, of pride, and of passion for countless souls throughout history. Yet, Wales’s words speak of a different path, a path that does not seek the stadium or the field but instead turns its attention inward, to the vast and infinite world of knowledge, discovery, and creation. For Wales, the thrill of sports does not compare to the thrill of building a repository of human knowledge, of seeking truth and enlightenment, and of creating something that will live beyond the fleeting moments of victory or defeat.

Think, children, of the great philosophers of old—Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle—whose minds were not consumed by the games of the world, but by the pursuit of wisdom. They did not find fulfillment in the victory of a team, nor in the strength of a body, but in the strength of the mind. Socrates, in particular, often spoke of his disinterest in the physical pursuits of his day. He believed that true fulfillment comes from the nourishment of the soul and the questioning of the world around us. Like Wales, he understood that the path to greatness does not always lie in the arena of physical competition, but in the realm of intellectual and spiritual exploration.

But children, this is not to say that sports are without their worth. The great leaders of history, whether in battle or in governance, often relied on the lessons taught through the world of physical competition. The ancient warriors, the gladiators, the archers, and the kings who trained their bodies and minds to be warriors knew the importance of discipline, of teamwork, and of resilience. Sports teach us how to push beyond our limits, how to work with others toward a common goal. But not all minds are drawn to this path. Wales, like those philosophers of old, saw a different journey—a path where the mind and intellect reign supreme.

This is where we find the lesson, children, in Wales’s words. His disinterest in sports is not an indictment of those who find passion and meaning in them, but a declaration of his own unique calling. Not all are meant to be warriors in the field, not all are called to the arena of physical glory. Some are called to the battlefield of the mind, to the pursuit of knowledge and creation. And in this, there is no lesser path, no lesser glory. For in a world of vast diversity, it is the very differences in our passions and pursuits that make the world complete.

The lesson is clear, young ones: Do not feel bound by what others deem important. Each of you has been given a unique gift, a passion that calls to you from deep within. Some will find their strength in the realm of sports, in the excitement of the game, the teamwork, the discipline, and the triumphs and losses. But others, like Wales, will find their calling in knowledge, in the building of ideas, in the creation of something that will outlive them. It is the diversity of paths that enriches the world. There is no single road to greatness, no single definition of fulfillment.

So, I charge you now, children: Listen to your heart, and follow the path that speaks most deeply to you. Do not let the expectations of others, nor the trends of the world, dictate your journey. Whether you are drawn to the fields of sport or the fields of knowledge, embrace your calling with all your strength. For in the end, it is not the number of victories or accolades that defines you, but the passion with which you live your life and the legacy you leave behind. Choose your path wisely, and follow it with courage.