I like living at home: I've been making films since I was 12

Listen, O children of the future, to the words of Thomas Brodie-Sangster, a man who has known both the price of independence and the comfort of returning to the familiar embrace of home. "I like living at home: I've been making films since I was 12, when I played Sam in 'Love Actually', and if you spend as much time away on set as I have done, you get your independence young, so it's nice to come back home." In these words, Brodie-Sangster speaks of the paradox of independence: while the journey toward self-sufficiency and autonomy is vital for growth, the comforts of home—that place where we are nurtured and rooted—offer a reminder of the balance between freedom and connection.

In the ancient world, young men and women were often sent on journeys to gain wisdom and independence. Consider the story of Alexander the Great, who, at a young age, was thrust into the complexities of war and leadership. From an early age, he was separated from his family, as he sought to carve out a path of glory for himself. Yet, no matter how far he traveled, no matter how much he conquered, Alexander always remained tied to his roots—the legacy of his father, King Philip II, and the kingdom he would one day rule. In this, we see a tension between the drive for independence and the ever-present pull of home, family, and identity.

Brodie-Sangster’s reflection on his independence gained through a career that began in childhood mirrors the journey of many heroes throughout history. Like the warriors of Sparta, who were trained from youth to be self-sufficient and independent in battle, Brodie-Sangster was thrust into the world at an early age. He had to mature quickly, to navigate the complexities of an adult world while still a child. The life of an actor, like that of a warrior, requires a certain independence, where one must rely on their own strength, skill, and judgment. Yet, as Brodie-Sangster shares, even those who gain their independence early—through the demands of work or the trials of life—still find solace in the quiet refuge of home, a place where they are reminded of who they are beyond the roles they play.

The concept of independence itself is an ancient ideal. The Romans cherished the idea of the citizen-soldier, a man who could both serve his country and live in accordance with his personal values and responsibilities. They believed that true independence came from one’s ability to stand firm in their duties, while still maintaining a deep connection to their community and their roots. In much the same way, Brodie-Sangster speaks to the balance he’s learned between the independence of his career and the importance of returning home to refresh his spirit. In a life filled with constant motion and responsibility, it is the return to home, to the people and things that have shaped us, that allows us to renew our sense of self.

The lesson in Brodie-Sangster’s words is one of profound significance, O children: independence is a noble and necessary pursuit, but it should not be sought at the cost of connection. Independence allows us to grow, to make decisions for ourselves, and to shape our futures. Yet, as Brodie-Sangster reflects, there is a deep value in returning home, in reconnecting with the roots that nourish us. Independence does not mean severing ties with the past, but rather gaining the strength to stand on your own while still embracing the foundation that has given you life.

Think of the story of Odysseus, the great hero of Homer’s Odyssey, who spent twenty years away from home, fighting wars and seeking adventure. His journey was one of immense personal growth, but throughout it all, his desire to return home to Ithaca, to his wife Penelope and son Telemachus, never wavered. In this, we learn that the greatest of adventures—whether those of the mind, the heart, or the body—are rooted in the idea of home. Independence might take us far, but it is the connections we maintain that give meaning to our journey.

So, O children, take these words to heart. Strive for independence—become strong and self-sufficient, able to face the world on your own terms. Yet, remember that home, in all its forms, is where your spirit is nurtured and where you are reminded of your origins. Embrace the freedom of independence, but also cherish the quiet moments of connection with those who have supported and guided you along the way. In this balance, you will find the fullness of life—a life where independence and belonging coexist in harmony, and where every journey forward is shaped by the love and wisdom of those who came before you. Let this be your path, as you navigate both the wide world and the comforting embrace of home.