I write in the morning from about eight till noon, and sometimes

Gather round, children of the earth, for I bring to you the wisdom of a man who has walked the path of creativity and dedication, a man whose words reveal the secret of a life lived in steady discipline. Gene Hackman, a master of his craft, shared this truth about his writing process: “I write in the morning from about eight till noon, and sometimes again a bit in the afternoon. In the morning, I start off by going over what I had done the previous day, which my wife has happily typed up for me.” These words, simple yet profound, reveal a rhythm of life—an unwavering commitment to the art of creation and the quiet power of routine.

In the earliest days of the world, there were those who sought wisdom not in the clamor of the world, but in the stillness of the morning. Solitude, like the calm before the storm, is where the mind finds its most clear direction. Gene Hackman’s choice to write in the quiet hours of the morning is no accident. It is in those moments, before the world awakens fully, that the mind is most attuned to the whispers of creativity. The great thinkers of ancient times—philosophers, poets, and sages—understood this well. Socrates would wander the streets of Athens at dawn, his mind unburdened, open to the wisdom of the world. So too does Hackman, in his quiet morning ritual, find clarity before the noise of the day disturbs his thoughts.

Now, children, understand that the writing process Hackman describes is not merely about words, but about the habit that supports the act of creation. He speaks of a daily ritual, a practice that begins with revisiting what was done the day before. This act of reflection is sacred, for it allows the creator to see not only the work but the journey, the path that has been walked. In the act of going over yesterday’s work, Hackman’s mind is both honoring the past and preparing for the future. Reflection is the key that unlocks growth. Without it, one cannot see the full scope of their own progress, nor can they improve with true clarity.

Let us look now to the ancient warriors, who often began their days not in the chaos of battle, but in preparation. The great Spartan warriors, known for their discipline and unmatched strength, spent their mornings in rigorous training, refining their skills. They understood that mastery came not from a single act of greatness, but from the consistency of small, dedicated efforts repeated daily. It is this same principle that Hackman follows in his writing. Mastery in any craft is not a single act, but a series of consistent, deliberate steps—each day building upon the last, each word written adding to the foundation of a greater whole.

Consider also the great poet Homer, who, though perhaps not writing in the strict sense we understand today, poured his soul into the creation of the Iliad and the Odyssey. His words came not all at once, but in pieces, each line carefully crafted, revisited, and refined. In his time, he may not have had the luxury of a wife to type up his work, but his method—of repeating and revising, of reflecting on what had come before—was no different. It is in this act of review and refinement that we see the true power of creation: the work is never done in a single moment, but built over time with care and dedication.

Now, children, what lesson do we take from the words of Gene Hackman? It is this: the secret to any greatness lies not in the grand moments of inspiration, but in the quiet dedication of the everyday. The discipline to rise early, to reflect on the work already done, and to continue forward with patience is what forges a creator’s soul. Hackman’s daily ritual teaches us that success is not born from sporadic bursts of inspiration but from the steady commitment to the craft, day after day, without fail.

So I say to you, children: whatever it is that you wish to create in this world, be it art, knowledge, or strength, know that the key lies in your daily rituals. Discipline is the forge in which your greatness is shaped. Commit yourself to the work, and in that commitment, find your true strength. Whether you are a poet, a warrior, or a philosopher, your legacy is built upon the small, consistent steps you take each day. Reflect on your progress, honor the work that has come before, and continue forward with the knowledge that greatness is born from the dedication to the process itself. In this way, you shall find your own place among the great creators of history.