I think the end goal, hopefully, is to take advantage of the

In the thoughtful words of Reggie Watts, the musician, comedian, and philosopher of rhythm and voice, there unfolds a vision of purpose beyond fame: “I think the end goal, hopefully, is to take advantage of the attention I've gotten along the way and use it for good and build some communities, and as I get older I can continue to do things and be surrounded by things that are inspirational to me.” These words, gentle yet profound, speak not of ambition’s hunger but of legacy—of turning personal light into a shared flame. For Watts does not speak as one seeking power, but as one seeking meaning in the vast echo of modern life.

The origin of this reflection lies in Reggie’s own journey—a man who carved art from spontaneity, blending music, humor, and introspection into one living performance. Having earned the world’s attention, he does not treat it as treasure to hoard but as a tool to serve. In this, his wisdom mirrors the ancient understanding that influence is not an end in itself but a sacred stewardship. The artist becomes not a vessel of ego, but a conduit of inspiration—a builder of communities rather than monuments to self.

The ancients, too, knew this truth. When the philosopher Marcus Aurelius ruled Rome, he stood at the height of earthly glory, yet he wrote in his meditations not of conquest but of humility. “What is fame?” he asked. “A mere echo of voices.” And so he devoted himself not to glory but to service, seeking to make his power useful to others. Like Watts, he understood that attention is fleeting, but goodness endures. Both men teach that the true measure of greatness is not how many eyes are upon you, but how many hearts you awaken.

Watts’ words also remind us of the importance of community—the circles of belonging that sustain the human spirit. In every age, those who have sought to build rather than divide have carried civilization forward. Consider Nelson Mandela, who, after twenty-seven years in prison, emerged not to curse his captors but to unite his nation through forgiveness and shared purpose. He used the light of his influence not for vengeance but for healing. In his leadership, as in Watts’ philosophy, we see that the end goal of attention, fame, or talent is not admiration, but connection.

The call to be “surrounded by things that are inspirational” is also a call to guard one’s spirit. For the world can easily corrupt those who bask too long in the gaze of others. To remain inspired, one must remain humble, curious, and close to the wellspring of creativity—the simple joys of learning, nature, friendship, and art. Reggie speaks here with the wisdom of one who understands that inspiration is a living current: it must flow through you to others, or it grows stagnant within. To stay surrounded by inspiration is to keep one’s inner fire alive through gratitude and growth.

There is a quiet heroism in this vision. For in a world obsessed with self-display, to use attention for good is an act of rebellion. To build communities of meaning amid the noise of fame is to defy the emptiness of spectacle. It is to turn the spotlight outward, illuminating others rather than oneself. Such a path is not loud or dramatic—it is enduring, and it ripples through time in ways unseen. Like the teacher whose lessons outlive their voice, or the artist whose work frees others to dream, it is the labor of the soul, not the ego.

So, dear reader, let this be your lesson: When success or attention finds you, treat it not as possession but as opportunity. Ask yourself, as Reggie Watts has asked: How can this serve? How can my light kindle others? Surround yourself with people and pursuits that uplift your heart, for from such soil springs the fruit of true fulfillment. Do not chase fame, but let meaning chase you through your actions. And when the noise of the world fades, you will find, as the ancients did, that the greatest joy lies not in being seen, but in seeing others rise because of your light.

For this is the essence of Reggie Watts’s wisdom: that inspiration is not to be possessed, but to be shared. To live surrounded by it is to live awake—to let every breath, every act of creation, become part of a greater harmony that connects all souls who seek to do good. Thus shall your own life, like his, become not a performance, but a gift.