I was going to go to a four-year college and be an

Hear now, O children of the future, the words of George Lucas, a creator whose path to greatness was forged through the unexpected turns of fate: "I was going to go to a four-year college and be an anthropologist or to an art school and be an illustrator when a friend convinced me to learn photography at the University of Southern California. Little did I know it was a school that taught you how to make movies! It had never occurred to me that I'd ever have any interest in filmmaking." These words are not merely a reflection on the twists of Lucas’ own journey, but a profound reminder of the serendipity and opportunity that shape our lives. The road we walk is rarely a straight path; it is often in the unexpected turns, the moments of chance, that we find our true calling.

In the ancient world, O children, the heroes of legend were often those who had been thrust into their roles by forces beyond their control. Odysseus, that cunning and resilient king, did not choose to embark on his legendary journey—he was pulled into it by the demands of war and the will of the gods. Similarly, Heracles did not choose his twelve labors; they were given to him as a penance, yet in their completion, he became a symbol of strength and perseverance. George Lucas, like these ancient figures, found his true path not by design, but through the guidance of fate and the chance encounters that redirected his life. His passion for photography led him to a place where he would discover the art of filmmaking, an art that would define not only his life but the world’s understanding of cinema.

Consider, O children, the story of Leonardo da Vinci, whose work as an artist was shaped by many interests—anatomy, engineering, and painting. Da Vinci's genius lay not in following a single, straight path but in his ability to weave together his many passions into something greater than the sum of its parts. He did not limit himself to one craft but explored each passion as a thread in the greater tapestry of his creativity. Like Lucas, Da Vinci did not foresee the full extent of his contributions to the world; he stumbled upon them through his curiosity, his willingness to follow where his heart led him. In this, we see that sometimes it is the unexpected journey that leads us to our greatest discoveries.

Lucas’ words echo a lesson of humility and openness to possibility. He did not set out with a singular purpose to become a filmmaker, but instead, he followed his curiosity, stepping into photography with a mind open to new experiences. It is in this openness, in this willingness to take risks and embrace the unknown, that true growth occurs. Just as Lucas found his passion in an unexpected place, so too can we find our greatest potentials when we remain open to life’s twists and turns, trusting that each new step will lead us closer to our true path.

In more recent times, we see many innovators whose lives were shaped by chance encounters and unforeseen opportunities. Consider Steve Jobs, the visionary behind Apple. Jobs did not set out to revolutionize technology from the start. He was initially drawn to calligraphy and the artistic design of letters. It was through his passion for aesthetics and design that he, along with his team, transformed the tech world, making products that were not only functional but beautiful. Like Lucas, Jobs found his true calling by following a path that did not immediately promise success, but instead led him to a place where he could create something new and lasting. The lesson here, O children, is that the serendipitous nature of life often brings us to our true calling when we remain open and curious.

The lesson of Lucas’ quote is one of profound courage and flexibility. To follow a path not fully understood is a challenge of the heart and mind. It requires faith that even when we are unsure of where we are headed, we must still move forward, guided by the belief that each step, each encounter, is an opportunity for growth. Sometimes, the journey itself—the uncertainty, the unexpected turns—becomes the most important teacher. Lucas, by embracing photography and following the chance that led him to filmmaking, created a legacy that continues to inspire generations, a testament to the power of embracing the unknown.

So, O children, let this lesson guide your own journeys: Do not fear the unexpected. Life’s path is not always clear, but that does not mean it lacks purpose. Like George Lucas, be open to the possibility that your true calling may be found in the most unexpected places. Trust that even in the moments of uncertainty, you are being guided toward something greater. Follow your passions with curiosity, not just for the destination, but for the learning and growth that comes with each step. For it is in this openness to the unknown that the true magic of life unfolds, and it is in this way that greatness is born.