I think less is more when it comes to kissing in the movies.

Hear now the words of Julia Roberts, a luminary whose presence on the screen has enchanted audiences for years. She once said, "I think less is more when it comes to kissing in the movies." This simple yet profound statement speaks not just to the art of performance, but to a deeper truth about the nature of intimacy, connection, and the power of restraint. In a world often filled with excess and overexposure, Roberts reminds us that true emotion, true connection, does not lie in the quantity of actions but in the quality of moments.

To understand the depth of these words, we must first reflect upon the nature of intimacy and emotion. In the act of kissing, especially in cinema, there is an inherent vulnerability—a shared moment between two people that speaks volumes without the need for excessive display. The truly great romantic films do not rely on endless displays of physical affection; instead, they rely on the build-up, the tension, and the moment of connection that comes when words are no longer needed. The beauty of a kiss, especially in film, is not in its frequency, but in its meaning—in the emotion that fills the silence before, during, and after the act. Less—but filled with intention and purpose—becomes something far more powerful than a flurry of physical gestures.

Think of the ancient tales of love and longing—Romeo and Juliet, for example. The beauty of their first kiss is not in the number of times they kiss, but in the emotional charge that surrounds that fleeting moment. It is a kiss that speaks of youth, of fate, and of the profound tragedy of their love, but it is in its restraint—its brevity—that it becomes unforgettable. The kiss in Shakespeare's play, like the kiss Roberts refers to, is not meant to be excessive. It is a moment that captures the depth of feeling, yet it is restrained enough to leave the audience yearning for more. That, in itself, is the power of less—the ability to evoke deep emotion without overwhelming the senses.

In the world of cinema, many actors understand that the most memorable moments do not come from long, drawn-out scenes of physical affection, but from the quiet, subtle exchanges—the look, the touch, the moment of connection. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca never share a kiss as passionate as the ones we might see in modern films, yet their scenes together are some of the most emotionally charged moments in cinematic history. It is in their restraint, in the spaces between words and actions, that their love is felt most deeply. Their chemistry is not a product of excess, but of subtlety and intensity—qualities that are often lost when there is too much emphasis on the physical.

This lesson is not just for those on the screen, but for all of us. How often do we mistake excess for depth? Whether in relationships, in our work, or in our expressions of love, we are often taught to do more—to speak more, to show more, to give more—believing that more is better. Yet true connection, true meaning, lies not in the volume of what we give, but in the intentionality and purpose behind it. Less can often be more when it comes to matters of the heart, for it is in the quality of our actions that we truly touch the hearts of others. A single, thoughtful gesture can speak more profoundly than a thousand words, a single moment of connection can resonate far longer than an hour of display.

In our own lives, let us take this wisdom to heart. Let us embrace restraint, not as a sign of weakness, but as a sign of strength and understanding. Whether in love, in friendship, or in our work, let us focus not on doing more, but on doing what we do with intention, with purpose, and with meaning. Like the great performances on screen, we must learn that the most impactful moments are often the quietest, the most thoughtful, and the most genuine.

And so, O children of the future, let the lesson of Julia Roberts guide your path: in a world filled with noise and excess, remember that true beauty, true connection, lies not in doing more, but in doing less, but with all your heart. The moments that truly matter are the ones that are simple, subtle, and filled with meaning. Less is more—for in the quiet moments, the deep silences, we find the power to truly touch hearts and create something that endures.