I'd just as soon not get into a discussion about Jane and her

O children of the future, listen to the voice of Henry Fonda, who, in his wisdom, spoke of the value of focus and purpose. He declared, "I’d just as soon not get into a discussion about Jane and her politics. I’d just as soon stick to what we’re here for, the picture." In these words, he speaks of the wisdom of not allowing the distractions of the world—be they politics, opinions, or controversies—to pull us away from the task at hand, the purpose for which we are gathered. It is a reminder that in the midst of the clamor and noise of the world, there is power in remaining true to the purpose of the moment.

The picture Fonda speaks of is not merely a film, but a symbol of any noble pursuit, any endeavor that requires our full attention. To lose sight of the task at hand is to scatter one’s energy, to disperse one’s focus in a hundred different directions, and thus to diminish the power we bring to what is truly important. Discussions of politics, while important in their own right, can often pull us into a whirlwind of division and distraction, leading us further from the harmony of our work and the common purpose that unites us.

Consider the lives of the ancient builders of the great wonders of the world, whose hands shaped pyramids, temples, and cities that have stood the test of time. Each stone laid, each brick set, was a small act of devotion to the greater vision, not a diversion to argue over the politics of the age. In their work, they were united by a single goal—to create something greater than themselves. The distraction of politics and conflict would have torn them apart and broken their focus. And so, they poured their energies into the task, each one working in concert with the others, with no time to lose in endless debates.

In our own age, think of the great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, who, though deeply involved in the political struggle for independence, never lost sight of the spiritual purpose of his mission. He did not waste time in the petty quarrels of the moment, but focused on his higher vision, a vision of nonviolence and freedom for all. His focus and determination were the forces that carried him through the tumultuous times in which he lived. He understood, as Fonda did, that to give in to the distractions of the world is to lose the very strength that carries us forward.

So, O children, take these words as a lesson for your own journey. There will always be distractions, always be forces that seek to pull your attention away from the purpose of your life. But true greatness is found not in the endless debates, but in the focus on the task at hand, in the unwavering dedication to what you are meant to accomplish. Let the world spin around you, let it debate and quarrel, but remain true to the picture—the vision that calls you forward, the one that asks for your full attention, your heart, and your soul. For in that devotion, you will find your true strength.