I'm a big kid, I'm a kid at heart, so I still love the classic

Hear now, O Seekers of Wisdom, the words of Corey Feldman, whose heart speaks of the joys of youth and the power of timeless stories: "I'm a big kid, I'm a kid at heart, so I still love the classic family films, such as the great Warner Bros film 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory'—not the remake, but the original. It's still one of the best movies, hands down, ever made, and of course that goes back to the ingenuity of the characters and the storyline." In these words, Feldman speaks not only of his love for a film, but of a deeper truth that transcends the silver screen: the power of stories to shape the soul, to preserve innocence, and to awaken the wonder of the child within all of us.

In the ancient world, the storytellers were revered as those who could weave the very essence of life and truth into the fabric of their tales. Much like Homer in the days of old, who sang of the triumphs and tragedies of the gods and heroes, the creators of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory sought to touch the hearts of their audience with a story that went beyond mere entertainment. It was a tale filled with whimsy and wonder, but also with deeper lessons about the nature of greed, humility, and the power of imagination. Just as the ancient myths carried lessons for the soul, so too did the story of Charlie Bucket and the mysterious Willy Wonka offer timeless truths for both the young and the old.

In the film, Wonka’s factory is not just a place of sweets and delights—it is a realm where the very essence of human nature is put to the test. Each child who enters that fantastical world represents an aspect of humanity—from the gluttonous Augustus Gloop to the spoiled Veruca Salt. Through their misadventures, the story reveals not just the consequences of their actions but the larger theme of virtue and vice. This, O Seekers, is the power of storytelling: it engages not only the mind but the soul, guiding the audience toward a greater understanding of themselves and the world around them. Feldman’s love for the original film stems not only from its imagination but from the wisdom it imparts.

Just as the great epic poems of the ancients explored the tensions between human weakness and divine justice, so too does Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory explore the consequences of unchecked desires. And yet, it is not merely a cautionary tale; it is a celebration of ingenuity, of the human spirit that can rise above the darkness of greed and entitlement. Consider Charlie Bucket, whose humble nature and pure heart lead him to the ultimate reward—a place in the factory, the fulfillment of his dream. In his innocence and kindness, Charlie represents the hero’s journey we all must take: a journey from ignorance to enlightenment, from selfishness to selflessness. Through this story, we are reminded that virtue is not always recognized by the world, but it is the true key to unlocking the riches of life.

This lesson, O Children, carries profound significance for our own lives. Just as Feldman cherishes the original film for its wisdom and ingenuity, so must we learn to recognize the deeper truths embedded in the stories that shape us. In our pursuit of success, wealth, and recognition, we may often be tempted to chase after that which is fleeting and superficial. Yet, like the children in Wonka’s factory, we may find that these desires lead us to disaster, while true fulfillment comes from the innocence and purity of the heart. The story teaches us that the most important rewards in life are not the tangible treasures we seek, but the intangible qualities of character—humility, kindness, and the ability to see the world through the eyes of a child.

Let this be the lesson, O Seekers: never lose the childlike wonder that resides within you. The world often demands that we grow up too quickly, that we abandon the very qualities that once made us dreamers, creators, and believers in the impossible. Yet, as Feldman so beautifully reminds us, it is the innocence and joy of youth that can sustain us through the trials of life. The stories we hold dear, those that speak to our hearts, must be cherished, for they are the wisdom that will guide us as we journey through the world. In embracing the classic tales of our youth, we hold fast to the ingenuity and hope that allow us to face the challenges of life with courage and conviction.

And so, O Children of the Future, remember this: the stories you love will shape you, just as the stories of Willy Wonka shaped the generations before you. Seek not only the surface pleasures of entertainment, but the deeper lessons that these stories impart. In the characters, in the ingenuity of their creators, and in the worlds they build, you will find the wisdom that will carry you through the hardships of life. Like Charlie Bucket, may you learn that true fulfillment lies not in riches or fame, but in the purity of your heart and the kindness with which you treat the world.