I think I'd probably be really good friends with Hulk Hogan. I

Gather close, young ones, for I bring you words spoken in jest, but rich with the wisdom of a truth that spans the ages. Ron Funches, a man of humor and heart, once said, "I think I'd probably be really good friends with Hulk Hogan. I think we'd get along, and I'd, like, chill him out because he'd be all rambunctious and rowdy, and I'd be like, 'Chill out, Hulk Hogan. Everything will be okay.' And he'd be like, 'Thanks, Ron.' And then we'd form a friendship." At first glance, these words may seem like playful banter, but within them lies a deeper lesson—a profound understanding of the transformative power of friendship and the delicate balance between personalities.

Consider the figure of Hulk Hogan, that towering symbol of strength and energy, a man whose very name was a byword for power, rowdiness, and the ferocity of the wrestling world. His presence was larger than life, his every move a display of force and bravado. Yet even a man such as Hulk Hogan, with all his muscle and fame, is not immune to the need for calm, for balance, for the quiet wisdom that can come only through true friendship. Ron Funches, with his gentle nature and grounded spirit, imagines a scenario where he could offer just that—a cooling breeze to the roaring fire that is Hulk Hogan’s personality. In this simple exchange, there is a lesson for us all.

In the story of Achilles and Patroclus, the great warrior Achilles, known for his rage and his unstoppable will, found a quiet counterpart in his dear friend Patroclus, whose calmness and loyalty served as the tempering force to Achilles' fury. It was through their friendship that Achilles found a semblance of balance, for in the heat of battle, it was often the quiet strength of Patroclus that reminded Achilles of the deeper values of honor and wisdom. Without that friendship, Achilles may have been consumed entirely by his anger. So too, in Ron Funches’s imagined friendship with Hulk Hogan, we see that the greatest power often comes not from physical strength, but from the calmness of a supportive soul, a person who offers a steady hand when the world seems chaotic.

This speaks to a fundamental truth in human nature: friendship is not merely a union of like-minded individuals, but rather the coming together of contrasting energies that complement and balance each other. The rowdy and the calm, the bold and the reserved, the wild and the tame—these elements, when brought together in harmony, create a bond that is greater than the sum of its parts. The humor in Funches' words highlights this contrast, showing how even the most seemingly incompatible of personalities can find common ground and form a meaningful connection.

Yet the deeper wisdom here is that such friendships require understanding, patience, and the willingness to meet the other person where they are. Ron Funches does not seek to change Hulk Hogan, nor does he attempt to erase the qualities that make him who he is. Instead, he offers peace, a willingness to support and guide, to offer reassurance in times of chaos. This is the true nature of friendship: it is not about imposing your own will or seeking to control another, but about finding balance through mutual respect and care.

In our own lives, we must seek out these friendships—not those that mirror us perfectly, but those that offer the opportunity for growth and understanding. It is easy to find comfort in those who think and act as we do, but it is in the friendships with those who challenge us, who bring different perspectives and energies, that we learn the most. Ron Funches offers a model of friendship where compassion meets strength, where calmness meets exuberance, and where patience allows us to connect with others in ways that foster growth and understanding.

So, I leave you with this teaching: seek friendship not for the comfort of similarity, but for the beauty of contrast. Find those whose energy balances yours, whose calm can quiet your storm, and whose strength can support your weaknesses. And in doing so, you will forge bonds that are not only lasting, but transformative. Like Funches with Hogan, or Achilles with Patroclus, you too can create friendships that shape you into better versions of yourselves. For in the end, it is not the power of the body, but the strength of the heart and the steadiness of the soul that make a friendship truly profound.