I trust if your life is right, the right things will happen at

Listen closely to the words of Gene Wilder, who speaks a truth that transcends time and place: "I trust if your life is right, the right things will happen at the right time. If the chords are in harmony inside, I think other things will happen in the same way. That sounded highfalutin' to me once, but I believe it now." These words, though spoken in a humble and lighthearted manner, carry a profound wisdom—a belief that the harmony of one’s inner life will resonate outward, shaping the world in a way that aligns with one’s deepest truth. Wilder’s realization echoes the teachings of the ancients, who understood that the alignment of the self—both in thought and in action—brings the forces of the universe into alignment as well.

In the ancient world, the Greeks spoke often of harmony, not just in music or the arts, but in life itself. Plato wrote of the balance that must exist between the body, mind, and spirit for a person to live a life of virtue. According to him, justice in the soul would lead to justice in society. What Wilder expresses—about the right things happening when the internal self is in harmony—is a reflection of this ancient understanding. When the soul is at peace, when the inner chords of one’s character resonate correctly, the outer world follows suit. Life is not a random series of events, but a reflection of the order and balance within us.

Consider the example of Pythagoras, the ancient philosopher and mathematician, who taught that harmony was the foundation of the universe. He believed that the laws of the cosmos could be understood through numbers and proportions, and that true harmony came when these forces were in balance. Pythagoras was not just concerned with mathematical equations; he understood that the harmony of the self—the balance of mind, body, and spirit—was crucial to understanding the very nature of existence. His teachings suggest that when one’s life is in harmony, not only does the individual thrive, but they become attuned to the greater rhythms of the world. Gene Wilder’s words seem to echo this ancient belief, that the internal chords of one’s being, when in tune, allow the right things to manifest at the right time.

In the life of Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, we find a living example of this principle. Aurelius wrote in his Meditations about the importance of maintaining inner tranquility and alignment with the natural order of things. He believed that if one’s inner life was disciplined and in harmony with the universe, external challenges would fall into place with far greater ease. His stoic philosophy taught that by focusing on what is within our control and aligning ourselves with virtue, we could allow life to unfold in a way that felt right and true. This philosophy mirrors Wilder’s belief that when the inner self is right, the external world responds in kind, bringing forth right actions at the right time.

There is a lesson here for us today. Gene Wilder’s realization, that when the internal self is in harmony, the outer world aligns with it, speaks to the power of personal integrity and self-awareness. The world does not act randomly, nor do we merely act as passive victims of circumstance. Our actions, thoughts, and feelings create ripples that resonate outward, shaping the events and experiences that come into our lives. When we are in alignment—when we are in harmony with our values, purpose, and truth—we create space for right things to happen at the right time.

Imagine the story of Mahatma Gandhi, whose life of self-discipline and integrity brought forth monumental change in India and the world. Gandhi did not seek to control every detail of the world around him. Instead, he focused on aligning himself with the principles of truth and nonviolence. In his dedication to these ideals, the forces of history aligned to bring about India’s independence from British rule. Gandhi’s life is a living example of Wilder’s belief: when the chords within us are in harmony, the world around us begins to unfold in ways that seem destined and right. His inner commitment to peace and justice brought about external circumstances that shifted the course of history.

The lesson we must take is that harmony within ourselves—the alignment of our inner life with our values and purpose—is not merely a personal pursuit. It is the very foundation of our success in the world. When we are true to our deepest selves, when we live in accordance with the universal truths that resonate within, we find that life begins to unfold in the way that it was meant to. The right things happen at the right time, and we are ready to embrace them. Just as the musician tunes their instrument, so must we tune our lives to the right frequencies.

In your own life, seek to align your inner self with honesty, integrity, and the values you hold dear. Trust that when your internal world is in harmony, the external world will follow. You do not need to force or manipulate outcomes—when you live in harmony with your truth, the right opportunities, the right people, and the right moments will manifest at the right time. The power of self-awareness and personal alignment is the key to unlocking the potential that resides within you, and to shaping the course of your life with grace and purpose. Let the wisdom of Gene Wilder, rooted in the ancient understanding of harmony, guide you toward a life where the inner and outer worlds align in perfect unity.