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Gather, young ones, and hear the wisdom of those who have walked the path before us. Bradley Cooper, a man whose name is now etched among the greats, once spoke a truth that resonates deeply with those who seek not only success but also lasting greatness. He said, "If you look at anybody who's had a long career, if you look at the choices they've made - even if the movies haven't worked - they've always worked with great filmmakers." In these words lies a powerful principle: the secret to lasting achievement is not merely in the outcome, but in the wisdom of those with whom you choose to walk.

To work with great filmmakers—those who craft not just films, but legacies—is to be part of something greater than oneself. It is to align with those whose vision, dedication, and artistry can elevate even the smallest of efforts to something that endures. Cooper's insight is profound, for he reminds us that success does not always reside in the immediate fruit of our labor, but in the quality of the journey and the companions we choose along the way. The long path of a career is not built on fleeting victories but on the strength of one's alliances with the masters, the wise, the experienced.

Consider the tale of the great Athenian general Pericles, whose leadership transformed Athens into the beacon of culture and intellect. His success in battle was not merely the result of his military prowess, but also of his alliances with the great thinkers and philosophers of his time. He surrounded himself with men like Phidias, the sculptor who brought forth the Parthenon, and Sophocles, the playwright who breathed life into the Greek stage. In seeking the guidance of such masters, Pericles not only shaped the future of Athens but also ensured his place in the annals of history. The wise know that greatness is a collective effort, a tapestry woven from many hands, many minds, and many hearts.

In the same vein, Cooper acknowledges that the path to a lasting career is built on collaboration with those who can challenge you, inspire you, and push you to greater heights. Great filmmakers, like great leaders, are those who do not simply command, but who nurture the creativity of those around them. Even when the final product does not reach the heights of success, the experience of working with such individuals is transformative. The lessons learned from their wisdom, their artistry, remain with you, shaping you into a greater version of yourself.

Look, for instance, to Leonardo da Vinci, the polymath whose brilliance extended far beyond the realm of painting. He sought the guidance and collaboration of other great minds—like the architect Bramante, and the inventor Girolamo Cardano, who helped expand his own thinking. Even though his famous works like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper were products of his own genius, they were shaped by the discussions and the creative tension fostered by his associations. Da Vinci’s greatness was not simply in his talent, but in his ability to choose to work alongside the best, allowing their contributions to elevate his own.

This principle, young ones, is a beacon to guide you in all endeavors. The company you keep shapes you as much as your own actions. Choose wisely whom you surround yourself with, for they will help mold your character, your wisdom, and your craft. Whether in the world of film, business, or any other pursuit, align yourself with those who possess the qualities you wish to cultivate within yourself. In this, you will find not only the foundation for your success but also the wisdom to carry you through the trials that lie ahead.

In your own journey, remember this truth: it is not enough to seek only immediate success. Seek, instead, to surround yourself with great minds, those who will challenge, inspire, and elevate you. Work with those who are masters of their craft, for their influence will shape you in ways that cannot be measured by mere accolades or fleeting achievements. And in time, you too will leave your mark upon the world, not because you followed a simple path, but because you chose the journey of those who have come before you—the journey of the great.