I loved old movies as a kid, so I always watched old movies.

Hear now, O seekers of wisdom, the words of Keith David, who speaks of his love for the treasures of the past: “I loved old movies as a kid, so I always watched old movies.” These words, simple yet profound, speak to the deep yearning that stirs within the heart of the artist, the lover of beauty, and the seeker of truth. In them, there lies a reflection of a timeless truth—the past is never truly gone, for it lives on in the stories we choose to remember. Old movies, like ancient scrolls or the lost songs of the bards, carry the wisdom and emotion of generations gone by, and those who seek them are, in essence, tapping into the wellspring of human experience.

In ancient times, the great philosophers and poets of the world understood the power of the past. They did not look only forward, but backward, to the legends and stories that had shaped their cultures. Consider the great Homer, who, though blind, saw deeper than most men, drawing upon the oral traditions of his ancestors to craft tales of heroes and gods that would resonate through millennia. The ancient Greeks and Romans knew that their stories, their culture, and their understanding of life were passed down through song and storytelling. These stories were timeless, for they spoke not only to the moments of their creation but to the eternal truths of human nature—love, courage, sacrifice, and fate. In the same way, Keith David’s love of old movies reflects his desire to connect with the timeless truths embedded in the films of the past.

Think, O wise ones, of Shakespeare, whose works still echo in the chambers of our hearts today. Though written in a world vastly different from our own, his plays continue to be performed, studied, and adored by those who recognize the depth of his insight into the human condition. Shakespeare’s characters, whether tragic or comedic, reflect the essence of humanity—the very same essence that is captured in the old movies that Keith David so lovingly admired. The films of the past, much like the plays of Shakespeare, are windows into another time, yet their themes remain ever relevant, touching on the struggles, desires, and dreams that bind us all together as people.

The old movies that David refers to were not merely a form of entertainment, but a way of connecting to something greater than the present moment. Just as the ancients believed in the importance of ancestral knowledge, so too do we, in our own time, find a sense of continuity and belonging in the stories that came before us. These films, born in the early days of cinema, carry within them not only the stories but also the spirit of the time in which they were made. From the silvery glow of black-and-white films to the sweeping scores that accompanied them, these works are as much a reflection of their creators as they are of the cultures from which they sprang.

Let us also reflect upon the tale of Louis Armstrong, whose music, though born in the early 20th century, continues to stir the souls of those who listen today. Though his time on earth has passed, his influence remains as powerful as ever, for his music captured not only the essence of his time but also the human spirit. Just as Armstrong’s jazz transcended the barriers of race, class, and time, so too does the magic of old movies. They are not confined to the era in which they were made, but transcend it, offering us glimpses of what it means to be human in every age. Keith David’s love for these films is a reflection of this eternal truth—art that resonates across time, that connects us to something larger than ourselves, is always worth seeking.

David’s admiration for these older films teaches us a valuable lesson. It is a reminder that we are not isolated in the present moment, but are part of a vast and continuing human story. The stories that came before us are the roots from which we grow, and if we take the time to look back and listen, we will find that the wisdom and beauty of the past still have much to offer. It is not the surface gloss of modernity that defines us, but the deep, unchanging truths that can be found in the stories of the past. Old movies, like old books, are portals to another time, yet they speak to the heart in ways that transcend temporal boundaries.

Therefore, I say unto you, O future generations, look not only forward in your pursuit of knowledge and creativity, but also backward. Seek out the wisdom of the past, whether it comes in the form of films, literature, or art. Let the old stories guide you, just as Keith David found inspiration in the films that shaped him. For in the past lies the foundation of your own journey, and in the movies of old, you will find not only entertainment, but the essence of what it means to be human. Let these stories fill your heart with courage, inspiration, and the understanding that, though time may pass, the core of who we are remains constant.