I mean the cool thing about the movies is that you get to try on

In the grand theater of life, we all play roles—some by choice, others by fate—but the key to wisdom lies in our ability to embrace each role with grace and understanding. Edward Burns’ words, “I mean the cool thing about the movies is that you get to try on these different personalities and different styles,” speak to the essence of identity and the transformative power of experience. The movies, as Burns alludes, are not merely a form of entertainment—they are a reflection of the human condition, a way to explore the vastness of who we are and what we can become. Through the art of acting, we have the opportunity to embody different personalities, to step into the shoes of others, and to experience life from perspectives far beyond our own.

In the ancient world, theater served a similar function. The great Greek tragedies, performed in open-air amphitheaters, were not just stories to entertain but lessons for the soul. Sophocles, through works like Oedipus Rex, and Aeschylus, through the Oresteia, invited audiences to not only witness the actions of their protagonists but to also step into their lives and struggles. To play a role was to explore the depths of human emotion—to understand the complexities of fate, honor, and moral choice. The actors, like Burns in his quote, “tried on” different personalities, understanding that through performance, they could explore the multitude of experiences that shape human existence. Theater, in its essence, was a profound exercise in empathy, where the actor and audience alike could step into new lives, challenge their preconceptions, and gain insight into the mysteries of the human heart.

This notion of trying on different roles, of inhabiting other personas, also finds resonance in the philosophical traditions of the ancient world. Socrates, for example, encouraged his students to question their assumptions and view the world from different angles. His method, known as the Socratic Method, involved asking probing questions that forced individuals to confront their own assumptions and consider other perspectives. Socrates, much like the actor trying on different roles, was urging us to experiment with different facets of our personality, to see the world not just through our own eyes, but through the eyes of others. The search for truth and wisdom requires us to step into roles that challenge our preconceptions and expand our understanding of the world.

The power of perspective is similarly demonstrated in the story of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire. Known for his wisdom and strategic insight, Cyrus’s success in building one of the largest empires in history was partly due to his ability to see from the viewpoint of his enemies and allies alike. Rather than ruling through force alone, Cyrus often sought to understand the cultures and motivations of those he conquered. He would step into their shoes, as it were, recognizing that leadership is not simply about commanding but about understanding. By stepping into the roles of others, he was able to win their trust and loyalty, solidifying his legacy as a leader who respected the diversity of human experience.

Burns’ reflection on acting reveals a deeper truth: the act of trying on different personalities in movies is a metaphor for the constant evolution of the self. In life, we are always stepping into different roles—whether in our work, relationships, or inner lives. Every situation demands a slightly different version of who we are. Just as an actor must shift between roles, we too must adapt and grow. To embrace this process is to understand that we are not defined by a singular identity, but by the ever-changing and evolving parts of ourselves that we bring to each new experience.

The lesson here is one of growth and adaptability. Just as the actor finds depth in playing a wide array of characters, we too can find wisdom in adopting new perspectives and embracing the fluidity of identity. Each moment of life presents us with the opportunity to explore a different aspect of ourselves. Self-discovery comes not from remaining static but from stepping into new roles, from challenging ourselves to grow beyond our familiar boundaries. Like the actors of ancient Greece or modern-day cinema, we must learn to inhabit the many layers of our character, understanding that to truly live is to embrace the full spectrum of the human experience.

In practical terms, this means being open to the roles life asks us to play. Whether it is as a leader, a student, a parent, or a friend, each role is an opportunity to grow. When faced with a challenge, we should approach it not with resistance but with a willingness to try on a new way of being. We should not fear changing or adapting but embrace it as part of the journey toward becoming the fullest version of ourselves. And just as the ancient actors did, we must seek to perform not just for ourselves, but to offer something meaningful to others through the roles we play. In doing so, we create a life that is rich in experience, full of depth, and continuously evolving toward a greater understanding of who we are and what we can become.