I like the Rolling Stones for karaoke. 'Sympathy For The Devil'

Gather close, children of the future, for the words of those who speak in jest often carry deeper meanings, and the soul of art can be found in the most unexpected of places. Hugh Jackman, a man known for his great talents and wide-ranging interests, once said: "I like the Rolling Stones for karaoke. 'Sympathy for the Devil' is a great one." At first glance, these words might seem light-hearted, playful even, but in their simplicity lies a profound connection to both music and human nature. For in Jackman’s enjoyment of this iconic song, there is an invitation to explore the nature of power, temptation, and the complex forces of good and evil.

In the ancient world, the figure of the devil or the trickster was often used in myth and legend to symbolize the inner battle of man—a force that leads people astray but also reveals the complexity of human desires. Sympathy for the Devil, the song by the Rolling Stones, taps into this deep-rooted archetype. The devil, often seen as the embodiment of temptation, is not just a figure to be feared, but a force that represents the darker, yet intrinsically human aspects of existence. Just as the ancient Greek gods were not simply good or evil, but were filled with complex, sometimes contradictory desires, so too does the devil in modern culture symbolize the allure of rebellion and the struggle with one’s own shadow. Jackman’s choice to sing this song in karaoke speaks not just to the thrill of performance, but to a deeper understanding of the human condition—our flaws, our imperfections, and our tendency to be drawn to what we know may not be good for us.

Consider, children, the ancient myth of Prometheus, the Titan who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humankind. Though he is often portrayed as a rebel, a savior of humanity, Prometheus’ actions carry the dual weight of both heroism and defiance. He gave humanity the gift of fire, which allowed civilization to flourish, yet in doing so, he defied the will of Zeus, the king of the gods, who punished him for his act. Prometheus’ sympathy—his care for humankind—was born out of his willingness to suffer for his gift. Similarly, in Sympathy for the Devil, the devil’s actions, while undeniably evil, are portrayed in such a way that we begin to question the nature of sin, temptation, and even the role of free will in our lives. Jackman’s fondness for this song suggests an understanding that the darker aspects of life are not simply to be feared, but understood—as vital parts of our own journey toward wisdom.

The idea of sympathy for the devil also calls us to examine the nature of compassion and forgiveness. In the Christian tradition, the devil is often seen as the embodiment of evil—something to be resisted and feared. But in the world of art, as Jackman’s love for the song reveals, this figure becomes complicated, a character that evokes not just fear, but also curiosity and a strange understanding. The ancient Romans understood this when they wrote of their gods and heroes. Julius Caesar, a man who rose to power through conflict and manipulation, was simultaneously a figure of admiration and resentment. In his story, like in the song, we see the heroism and villainy mixed together, a reminder that the devil is not always simply an external force, but also something that resides within the hearts of those who dare to challenge the world around them.

The lesson here, children, is not that we should glorify evil or encourage harm, but that we must understand the complexities of human nature. Sympathy for the Devil is an invitation to acknowledge the darkness that resides in us all, without allowing it to define us. It is a call to embrace the full spectrum of human experience, recognizing that the path to wisdom is not always linear, and that sometimes we must walk through the shadows to see the light more clearly. Just as Prometheus faced the wrath of the gods to bring humanity the gift of fire, and as Jackman enjoys the thrill of singing a song about the devil in a moment of light-heartedness, so too must we learn to face the parts of ourselves that are uncomfortable, that challenge our sense of righteousness, and learn from them.

In your own lives, children, do not shy away from the darkness. Do not fear the parts of yourself that seem less heroic or noble, for it is in confronting these shadows that you find true strength. Just as the Rolling Stones created music that explores the dualities of life, so too should you learn to embrace the complexities of existence. Do not see the devil in simple terms—good or evil—but rather as a part of the whole, a reminder that understanding comes when we explore the full range of human emotions and experiences.

So, children, remember this: sympathy for the devil is not a call to follow him, but a reminder to understand the forces that shape us, and to embrace the complexities of life—both the light and the dark. In doing so, you will find a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you, and the strength to walk the path of wisdom.