I was lucky that I met the right mentors and teachers at the

Hear the humble confession of James Levine, conductor of symphonies and shaper of sound, who declared: “I was lucky that I met the right mentors and teachers at the right moment.” In this brief sentence, he speaks not only of his own journey but of the mystery that attends all greatness—that no man rises by his own strength alone, but by the guidance of those who appear at the needed hour. It is a hymn to gratitude, a recognition that behind every success stands the unseen architecture of influence.

The meaning is this: life is not a solitary climb, but a shared ascent. The role of mentors is to point the way when the path seems hidden, to steady the trembling hand, to awaken courage where fear would rule. The right teacher at the right moment is like a lantern placed at a crossroads, showing the pilgrim which road to take. Without such light, even the most gifted may stumble; with it, even the least expected may rise to greatness.

Consider the tale of Alexander the Great, who though destined for empire, found his soul sharpened under the hand of Aristotle. It was not conquest alone that made him great, but the lessons of philosophy, science, and art instilled by his mentor. Without Aristotle, Alexander might have remained a mere warrior. With him, he became a visionary, a builder of civilizations. The right teacher, at the right moment, gave direction to his destiny.

History also offers the story of Maya Angelou, who as a young woman was silenced by trauma. Yet through the encouragement of mentors and teachers who placed poetry in her hands and urged her to speak, her voice was restored. That voice became thunder across generations, stirring hearts and challenging injustices. Her greatness was not born in isolation but in the careful nurture of those who believed in her when she could not yet believe in herself.

Levine’s words carry also a reminder of humility. The proud man says, “I did this by myself.” The wise man says, “I was helped, and I am grateful.” To recognize the role of mentors is to honor the chain of wisdom that stretches back through time. No truth is born in isolation; it is passed, refined, and given again. And every great life is but one link in this eternal chain of teaching and learning.

O children of tomorrow, take this lesson deeply: seek out mentors with open eyes and open hearts. Do not walk alone when others have already walked the road before you. And when such guides appear, honor them, learn from them, and carry their lessons forward. For one day, you too must stand as a lantern to another, becoming the teacher at the right moment in someone else’s journey.

Therefore, let your daily practice be this: give thanks for those who shaped you, and remain ever alert for the new teachers life will place in your path. Ask yourself not only, “Who guides me?” but also, “Whom am I guiding?” For the mystery of life is that each of us is at once student and teacher, receiving and giving, learning and passing on.

Thus the words of James Levine endure: “I was lucky that I met the right mentors and teachers at the right moment.” Let them remind you that greatness is not only talent, nor only effort, but the blessing of guidance at the appointed time. Be grateful when it is given, and be generous in giving it to others. In this way, the chain of wisdom is unbroken, and the music of life plays on.