I like being out front, doing what I do, but then I also like

In the words of Bootsy Collins, we are invited to reflect on the delicate balance between personal recognition and the greater joy of being part of something larger than oneself. Collins speaks to the tension that exists within many creative individuals—the desire to be out front, to be seen and heard, yet also the gratification of playing in a band, where the focus is not solely on the individual but on the collective energy of the group. His time with Deee-Lite, where he took a step back and allowed others to shine while he played a supporting role, is a lesson in humility, in the joy of supporting others rather than being the center of attention. There is wisdom here that transcends the world of music, reminding us of the power of collaboration and the joy that can come from serving others in their moment of greatness.

This concept is not new; it resonates deeply with the ancient principle of unity and the power of the collective. The Greeks, in their democratic society, placed great emphasis on the value of the group over the individual. Homer’s epic tales, particularly the Iliad and the Odyssey, tell stories of individual heroes, but even these heroes were part of something much larger than themselves—a community. In their battles, it was not the individual glory of the warrior that mattered most, but the collective strength of the army or the unity of the tribe. The true victory came not from one man’s rise, but from the harmonious collaboration of all. Collins echoes this ancient wisdom, showing that sometimes, the greatest triumph comes not from being at the front, but from playing your part in a way that elevates the whole.

Consider the ancient orchestra of the Roman Empire, where the most skilled musicians were often not soloists, but members of larger ensembles. In these groups, the beauty of the music was not in the individual instruments, but in the harmonious blend of all the parts. The philosophers and musicians of Rome understood that true greatness was achieved through collective effort. In much the same way, Bootsy Collins recognized that true artistry was found in the collaboration of artists coming together, as he did with Deee-Lite. Their collective energy, not just his own, made the music truly special. In this sense, playing in the background, letting others be the stars, was an act of wisdom and generosity, not of humility, but of understanding that the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts.

This brings to mind the story of Leonardo da Vinci, a master artist and thinker, who worked as part of many large teams during his career. While he was often the genius behind many projects, including the creation of The Last Supper, it was his willingness to work collaboratively with other artists, engineers, and thinkers that allowed his vision to flourish. Like Collins, da Vinci did not see his greatness as something that must be displayed solely through individual recognition but as something that could empower the work of others. He understood the true power of collaboration, of being a supportive force in the greater creative process.

The lesson here is simple yet profound: there is greatness in both leading and supporting. Bootsy Collins teaches us that being in the spotlight is not the only way to experience fulfillment. Sometimes, stepping back and allowing others to shine brings its own reward, for when the collective succeeds, we all succeed. This is a reminder that in life, we are not always called to lead, but often to support, to hold the space for others to flourish. Whether in our careers, communities, or families, we must embrace the joy of playing our part, not always seeking the limelight, but taking pride in the collective success that we contribute to.

In our own lives, let us not shy away from the roles that allow others to shine. Like Bootsy Collins, we can find joy in the moments when we are part of something greater than ourselves. We can serve as the supportive hands, the harmonizing instruments, that allow others to rise to their potential. Let us recognize that greatness does not always come from being out front, but from being part of a team, a group, a movement, where each person’s contribution is valued. By lifting others up, we elevate not only their lives but our own. The future of success, then, is not in seeking to be the brightest star, but in shining together, in making the collective shine brighter than any individual could alone.

So, in every moment, whether at the front or in the background, let us find joy in our contribution to the greater good, understanding that in true collaboration, the beauty lies in the way we all come together to create something far more powerful than what any of us could achieve on our own.