I never really worked with Chris Farley, I hung out with him

In the pursuit of greatness, there is often a tension between the plans we make and the moments that present themselves unexpectedly. Andy Dick, in his reflection on his relationship with the late Chris Farley, states, “I never really worked with Chris Farley, I hung out with him, but I had plans, I had big plans, movies, and I was in no hurry.” This statement encapsulates a moment of reflection on the balance between ambition and life’s unpredictable flow. Dick, while recognizing the fleeting opportunities that come with working alongside someone like Farley, was focused on his own trajectory. He speaks to the truth that time and timing are often as much a part of success as any ambition or goal.

This tension between plans and fate is one that has echoed through the ages. The ancient philosophers often spoke of the importance of fate and destiny, yet they also emphasized the role of individual action in shaping one’s path. Aristotle taught that while the universe may be governed by principles beyond our control, the virtuous man is one who acts with purpose, deliberation, and thoughtfulness. The Stoics, like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, taught that while we cannot control the forces that shape our world, we can control how we respond to them. In Dick’s words, there is a subtle wisdom about acceptance—he recognized the opportunity to hang out with Farley, but he chose to pursue his own goals, in his own time. There is no rush in life’s journey, for all things arrive when the time is right.

Consider the great warriors of the ancient world, such as Alexander the Great, who was born into a time of immense possibility and yet, though ambitious, was not hasty in his approach to conquer the world. Though driven by a desire to expand his empire, Alexander did not rush into battle without strategy or forethought. His journey was one of deliberate action—moving through kingdoms, establishing alliances, and ensuring that every step he took was part of his larger vision. Dick’s approach mirrors this deliberate mindset. He was not blind to the potential of the moment but recognized that his own path was to be taken intentionally, with his eyes on the bigger picture, rather than being swept along by the whims of fate.

The ancient Roman general Cicero also speaks to the value of patience in one’s plans. While he was a statesman, orator, and writer, Cicero often found himself facing opportunities that demanded action at a moment’s notice. Yet, he famously valued the planning phase, arguing that true success comes not from hasty decisions but from well-considered action. This approach allowed Cicero to navigate the political landscape with wisdom and foresight. Just as Dick acknowledges Farley’s presence without rushing into it, Cicero’s careful calculation reminds us that true strength lies in patience, knowing that the time for action will come when it is truly needed.

There is, however, a lesson within Dick’s words about the unpredictability of life—the fact that despite all our plans, things will often unfold in unexpected ways. Chris Farley, with his larger-than-life personality and boundless energy, was a force of nature that couldn’t be predicted or easily replicated. His untimely death serves as a stark reminder that we cannot always control the course of events, no matter how meticulously we plan. Farley’s life and career, filled with wild laughter and chaos, were his own, and Dick, in choosing his own path, recognized the need to focus on his own vision without being swept away by external influences.

Yet, Dick’s comment also reflects a deeper wisdom: opportunity does not always demand immediate action. Just as Hercules faced twelve labors, each requiring his own timing and strength, so too must we recognize that each moment in life is a stepping stone to something greater. There is no shame in waiting for the right moment, in recognizing that some things, like success or opportunity, come in time. Dick’s story is a reminder that patience does not mean inaction—it is about knowing when to act with purpose and when to allow life to unfold at its own pace.

The call to action, then, is clear: in your pursuit of greatness, understand that there is a time for action and a time for reflection. Be deliberate in your choices and patient in your journey. Recognize the wisdom in waiting for the right moment, and do not be hurried by the expectations or distractions that may come your way. Like Dick, you can appreciate the opportunities that cross your path, but you must stay focused on your own vision. By embracing both patience and purpose, you can move through life with the confidence that the right opportunities will present themselves when the time is right, and your success will come not from rushing but from strategic action.