I love Mickey Mouse more than any woman I have ever known.

"I love Mickey Mouse more than any woman I have ever known." – Walt Disney

In the great tale of human creativity and imagination, few figures stand as tall as Walt Disney. Through his hands, the world was gifted with characters, stories, and worlds that transcended the ordinary, taking us to realms of magic and wonder. But in his bold declaration of affection for Mickey Mouse, he speaks not only of the love for his creation but of a profound truth: that the power of art, the act of creation, can become a deep companion—more constant and meaningful than even the closest human relationships. In this declaration, Disney taps into the ancient bond between the creator and their creation, a bond so deep and so pure that it rivals the connection between any human to another.

In the ancient world, the relationship between the creator and the creation was sacred. Take, for instance, the Greek myths of Hephaestus, the god of fire and craftsmanship, who created magnificent works of art and tools with his hands. Though Hephaestus was often depicted as a solitary figure, creating in the depths of his forge, his creations were his most intimate companions. Mickey Mouse, in much the same way, was born from Disney’s hands—a creation so perfect in its simplicity, yet so full of life and personality, that it became more than just an image on a screen; it became a symbol of joy, hope, and endless possibility. Disney’s love for Mickey, then, is not just for the character, but for the very act of creation itself, a love that runs deeper than any ordinary relationship.

The ancient artists and sculptors also experienced this profound connection to their work. Take Michelangelo, who chiseled the statue of David, not just as a depiction of a Biblical hero, but as an extension of his own soul. Michelangelo’s relationship with his marble was so intimate that it is said he could see the figure inside the stone, waiting to be set free. Much like Michelangelo, Disney's love for Mickey Mouse is rooted in the act of bringing something to life—not from the world of stone, but from the fabric of imagination. This creation was born from the purest desire to express and to entertain, and in the process, it became more than just a character; it became an eternal companion to both Disney and the millions who have embraced it.

As we turn to more recent history, we see that the bond between creator and creation remains unbroken. Think of the great authors—J.K. Rowling, for example, with Harry Potter. Rowling has often spoken of how her creation of Harry Potter and the magical world of Hogwarts felt like an ongoing conversation between herself and her characters. In this light, Disney's affection for Mickey Mouse reflects a timeless truth: creations, once given life, take on a life of their own, becoming more than mere products of their creators' hands. They become living symbols of the creator’s essence, a means by which the creator’s thoughts, dreams, and passions are shared with the world, becoming eternally intertwined with the very hearts of those who encounter them.

In this declaration, Walt Disney is not diminishing human relationships or emotions, but rather emphasizing the depth and power of creation. In an age where we often seek external validation or companionship from others, Disney teaches us that the act of creation—whether in art, music, or story—is an act of love in itself. It is a love that transcends the temporary bonds of human interaction, providing a lasting connection to something that will live beyond its creator. Mickey Mouse, in this sense, is not just a character; he is an enduring testament to the power of creative expression and the longevity of an idea.

The lesson we take from Disney’s words is both simple and profound: in a world of fleeting moments and relationships, there is a timelessness to creation that can anchor us. We may experience love, loss, and companionship, but our creations—the things we pour our soul into—have the potential to last far beyond the span of our own lives. We should, then, treasure the act of creation, for in it, we give birth to something that can speak to future generations, just as Mickey Mouse continues to speak to us today.

As we move forward, let us follow Disney's example: let us not just live, but create—create with all the passion and love we can muster, knowing that in our creations, we leave something that will stand the test of time. Like Michelangelo, like J.K. Rowling, and like Walt Disney, we too can imbue our work with a part of our own spirit. And in that work, we will find a companionship that transcends all others, for our creations will forever carry with them the essence of who we are, just as Mickey Mouse continues to carry the essence of Walt Disney himself. Let our love for what we create be a testament to the power of art, creativity, and immortality.