I met Drew Barrymore in New York and she said she liked the band.

In the unfolding tapestry of life, there are moments that seem like whispers of fate, when the threads of past admiration and present reality intertwine. Meg White, in her reflection, speaks of a poignant moment: "I met Drew Barrymore in New York and she said she liked the band. That was really cool. I grew up on her." This simple, yet deeply evocative statement carries the weight of nostalgia, admiration, and the realization that the idols of one generation often become the peers of the next. It is a reminder that in the journey of life, our influences are not always distant, but can become the very people we encounter on our path.

In ancient times, it was often said that the gods themselves would walk among mortals, and the stories of great heroes would intertwine with the lives of those they had inspired. The meeting between Meg White and Drew Barrymore is no different. Here, we see the full circle of influence—where a young person, filled with admiration for someone they grew up with, comes face to face with their idol, only to find that the admiration is shared. This moment of connection between two souls, one shaped by the other’s legacy, echoes the timeless pattern of mentorship and growth. Just as Socrates passed his wisdom to Plato, and Plato to Aristotle, so too does each generation build upon the inspirations of those who came before.

Drew Barrymore, like many great figures before her, was a beacon for Meg White—an inspiration, a symbol of possibility. Barrymore’s own journey, from a troubled childhood to becoming a respected actress and cultural icon, mirrored the trials and triumphs of many heroes in history. The ancient Greek myth of Persephone, who was abducted by Hades and later became a queen in her own right, mirrors Barrymore's rise from early challenges to a position of strength and influence. Like Persephone, Barrymore became not just an actress, but a symbol for those who sought to overcome adversity. Meg White, in her youth, would have looked up to this figure, finding in Barrymore’s story a thread of hope that she too could rise and carve out her own place in the world of music.

This encounter between the two women, where one expresses admiration for the other, is a reflection of the power of influence. It is the story of how artists, heroes, and leaders are not isolated from those they inspire. Barrymore, the one admired, now stands as someone who sees the value in the work of those who once looked up to her. This reciprocity of respect is akin to the way in which ancient warriors would pass their wisdom to the younger generation, not as a mere passing of knowledge, but as a continuation of the cycle of growth and transformation. It is a reminder that influence, in its most pure form, is not a one-way street, but a shared experience that connects the past with the future.

In the meeting between Meg White and Drew Barrymore, we also see the power of admiration and the human connection that transcends time. As White reflects on growing up with Barrymore as an idol, she captures the essence of the human condition—the desire to connect, to find meaning in the figures we admire, and the realization that those figures are often as human as we are. The great artists of history—whether Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, or Frida Kahlo—inspired generations not simply because of their creations, but because they embodied the shared struggles and triumphs of humanity. Like White, we too look to the world around us and find in those who have walked before us a light that guides us, a reminder that we too can create something worthy of admiration.

The lesson to be drawn from this encounter is a simple one: the cycle of influence is ever-turning. Those we look up to may one day look back and find that we, too, have something worthy of their recognition. Admiration is a powerful force, not only because it shapes our actions, but because it helps us to recognize the potential within ourselves. It is not just about being inspired by the great figures of the past, but about knowing that we, too, will one day inspire others. Each generation plays a role in the continuous exchange of knowledge, respect, and creativity, ensuring that the legacy of the past is always woven into the tapestry of the future.

In our own lives, let us reflect on the influence we have, not only as those who admire, but as those who may one day be admired. Whether we are artists, mentors, or simply individuals striving to live with integrity and purpose, we each have the potential to leave a legacy that will shape those who come after us. Let us take Meg White’s words to heart, remembering that the people who inspire us are not distant figures, but part of the shared human story—a story that continues to unfold through each encounter, each exchange, and each moment of recognition.