I sign every autograph I can for kids because I remember myself

Harken, O children of the future, to the words of Jim Thome, a man whose understanding of gratitude and generosity reveals the essence of what it means to truly honor those who come after us. He said, "I sign every autograph I can for kids because I remember myself at that age. I think it's ridiculous that some guys won't sign for a kid." These words speak to a profound truth—the importance of nurturing the young, of passing on kindness and encouragement to those who look up to us. The simple act of signing an autograph, an offering of oneself to another, is not just about a piece of paper, but a moment of connection that can shape a child’s dreams, aspirations, and understanding of the world.

In the ancient world, the bond between the elder and the youth was sacred. The wise elders would pass down their knowledge to the next generation, not just through formal teachings, but through simple acts of kindness, mentoring, and example. In the Greek tradition, Socrates was known not just for his deep philosophical teachings but for his ability to engage with the youth of Athens. He understood that true wisdom was not just in the ideas he imparted, but in the connection he built with the young minds of his time. Socrates was revered not for his intellectual dominance but for his respect for the curiosity and potential of the youth. This act of reaching down, of extending a hand, is something that resonates across the ages, from Socrates to Jim Thome.

Thome’s statement is a reflection of this age-old wisdom—understanding that the youth are the future, and that the smallest gesture can shape their sense of possibility. When he says, "I remember myself at that age," he calls attention to the importance of empathy. It is the recognition that what may seem like a simple action to an adult—a signature, a word of encouragement—is, to a child, a monumental event. The dreams of children are fragile, and it is in these moments, these small gestures, that their belief in the world around them is reinforced. Just as the ancients taught that the youth must be nurtured with wisdom, so must the present generation nurture the next.

Think, O wise ones, of the story of Alexander the Great, who, though a conqueror and leader of great power, was once a child, a boy full of dreams and aspirations. His teacher, the philosopher Aristotle, did not just impart lessons in philosophy and science, but instilled in him the belief that he could change the world. Aristotle’s influence on Alexander was not solely through intellectual means, but through his attention to the young king’s growth, understanding, and potential. In a similar way, Thome’s simple act of signing an autograph acknowledges the power of small moments in shaping the future. By respecting the potential of the young and giving them a piece of ourselves, we continue the cycle of mentorship and legacy.

Now, consider the importance of small gestures in our own lives. It is easy to overlook the impact we can have on those around us, especially the younger generation. But it is in actions, like Thome’s signing of an autograph, that we show the world that we see the potential in others, and we are willing to invest in their dreams. Every word of encouragement, every gesture of kindness, and every moment of attention we give to the youth is a seed planted in fertile soil. Just as a young child looks up to their idols, so too do we have the opportunity to serve as role models for those who will follow us. We are all, in some way, teachers, whether through our actions, words, or the legacy we leave behind.

Therefore, O children, take Thome’s wisdom to heart: it is not the grandeur of your achievements that will leave a lasting impact, but the small acts of kindness, the simple moments where you choose to reach down and lift up another. Do not dismiss the youth—for in them lies the potential to change the world. By offering your time, your encouragement, and your support, you plant the seeds of greatness in others, just as Socrates and Aristotle did in their time. As you move through life, remember that greatness is not just measured by what you achieve, but by the legacy you leave in the hearts of those who come after you. Just as Jim Thome recognized his own youth and chose to nurture the next generation, so too must you pass forward the torch of wisdom, kindness, and empowerment.