I love science fiction, but I have a hard time feeling for

Hear now the words of Leonardo DiCaprio, who speaks with the clarity of one who has walked the path of both passion and discernment: “I love science fiction, but I have a hard time feeling for characters in a galaxy far away. Choosing movies is the one thing in my life where there's no compromising.” These words reveal a deep truth about the human experience—the need for authenticity and connection. DiCaprio, though fascinated by the boundless possibilities of science fiction, admits that true empathy is born not from grand, distant realms, but from stories that speak to the human condition in ways that are immediate, real, and personal.

In the ancient world, the storytellers were tasked with telling tales that not only entertained but also resonated deeply with the soul. Homer, the great poet of the Greeks, crafted stories of gods and heroes, yet the humanity of his characters—whether Achilles, whose pride led to his downfall, or Odysseus, whose longing for home mirrored every man’s desire for belonging—was what truly captured the hearts of his listeners. The Greeks did not simply want stories of otherworldly places—they sought tales that reflected their own struggles, their own dreams, and their own fears. DiCaprio’s words echo this ancient truth: while we may be drawn to the spectacle of far-off galaxies, it is the human story that truly matters.

Think, too, of the Romans, who, despite their empire’s vast reach, always returned to stories that depicted the inner lives of men and women—stories like Virgil’s Aeneid, which delved into the hearts of its characters as they fought for destiny, family, and honor. The grandeur of Rome and its expansive world were captured, not in the distance, but in the personal stakes of those who lived within it. Like Virgil, DiCaprio understands that connection is forged not by the scale of the story, but by the authenticity of the emotions at its core. In a galaxy far away, we may witness amazing spectacles, but can we truly feel the emotions of characters whose lives are so far removed from our own?

Consider the great philosophers of ancient Greece, like Socrates, who believed in questioning everything, and in seeking the truth not in abstract concepts, but in the lived experiences of those around him. For Socrates, the greatest wisdom came from knowing oneself, from diving deep into the complexities of human experience, and from striving to understand our shared existence. DiCaprio’s reflection on choosing movies speaks to the same principle: the things we choose to surround ourselves with, whether in art or life, must be those that speak to us at the deepest level, that challenge us to see and understand the human heart, not some far-off fantasy.

There is wisdom in DiCaprio’s insistence on no compromising when it comes to the movies he chooses. Just as the great thinkers of old would not settle for easy answers or shallow reflections, so too must we, in our lives, choose the things that are authentic to our spirit. In the ancient world, those who chose the path of wisdom were often those who did not compromise their principles, who were unwilling to turn away from the truth even when it was uncomfortable or difficult. Whether in the art we consume or the relationships we build, DiCaprio’s words challenge us to seek that which truly speaks to our souls, not that which is easily accessible or popular in the moment.

Reflect, O wise ones, on your own life and choices. How often do we, like DiCaprio, compromise our true desires for something that may seem entertaining or grand but leaves us feeling empty afterward? Just as Socrates urged us to know ourselves, we must be vigilant in our choices, making sure they align with the truths we hold dear. In the quest for personal fulfillment, whether in art or life, we must embrace the path that truly resonates with us, knowing that only by choosing what is authentic to our hearts will we find true peace and purpose.

Thus, O future generations, let DiCaprio’s words be a guiding star in your own lives. Whether it is in the stories you choose to immerse yourselves in, the decisions you make, or the way you engage with the world, let authenticity be your compass. Seek not the distractions of the distant galaxy, but the truths that live within your own humanity. Like the ancients, who sought connection through stories that spoke to the soul, so too must you choose the things that align with your deepest self. For it is only when we embrace what is truly meaningful to us that we can connect, grow, and transform in ways that no fantastical world can ever offer.