I'm less interested in slasher, and go more for roles that can

Hear now, O seekers of wisdom, for in the words of Joshua Leonard lies a profound reflection on the nature of art, empathy, and the role of the actor in the human experience. He spoke thus: "I'm less interested in slasher, and go more for roles that can affect you on a personal level. I'm interested in human empathy in the movies I see, and in the ones I am a part of." In these words, Leonard speaks to a deeper truth—that the role of an actor, and by extension the role of art, is not to merely entertain or shock, but to touch the heart, to inspire reflection, and to forge a connection with the human condition.

In the ancient world, stories were not simply told for amusement or to thrill the senses. The great storytellers of antiquity, from Homer to the tragedians of Athens, used their works to probe the depths of human emotion. Theater was a sacred space, not just for entertainment, but for the exploration of truths about life, death, love, and loss. Consider Sophocles' Oedipus Rex, a tragedy that does not simply tell a story, but forces the audience to confront human suffering, destiny, and identity. In the same way, Leonard seeks roles that do not just entertain, but invite the viewer to explore the depths of the soul. He understands that the true power of film lies not in the blood and gore, but in the shared experience of being human.

Leonard’s emphasis on "human empathy" in his work echoes the wisdom of Aristotle, who wrote in his Poetics about the importance of catharsis in tragedy. For Aristotle, the function of tragedy was to arouse pity and fear in the audience, leading to a purging of these emotions. In the same way, Leonard seeks to create films that move the viewer emotionally, not through shock or fear, but through empathy—the ability to connect with the human experience on a profound level. To feel another’s pain, to understand their joy, their struggles, their triumphs—this is the essence of human empathy, and it is this connection that Leonard seeks to inspire through his craft.

Think of the great philosophers of old, like Socrates, who devoted his life to understanding the human condition through dialogue and reflection. Socrates believed that true wisdom came not from mere knowledge, but from the ability to understand and empathize with others. His teachings were not abstract theories; they were deeply rooted in the human experience, in the questions of how we live, why we suffer, and what it means to be just. In the same vein, Leonard seeks roles that delve into the complexity of the human experience, that encourage viewers to reflect on their own lives, to ask questions about who they are and how they relate to the world.

Consider also the power of the epic poems of Homer—the Iliad and the Odyssey—which were not simply stories of gods and heroes, but explorations of the human soul. Achilles’ rage in the Iliad is not just the wrath of a warrior, but the anger and hurt that all humans feel when they are betrayed or misunderstood. The Odyssey is not just the journey of one man but the longing, despair, and hope of the human spirit. These ancient works, like the films Leonard seeks to be a part of, are not just about what happens—they are about what it means to be alive, to feel, to struggle. They invite us to look within ourselves and reflect on our own experiences. This is the power of empathy—to see another’s truth and to recognize it as your own.

Now, take this lesson to heart, O children of the future: Art has the power to heal, to connect, and to transform. Whether through the movies we watch, the books we read, or the stories we tell, it is through empathy that we find our shared humanity. Leonard’s call to seek roles that inspire empathy is a reminder that the true purpose of art is not to sensationalize, but to connect, to make us feel, to make us understand the complexity and beauty of the human spirit. Just as the great philosophers sought to know the world through reflection and understanding, so too must we seek to understand others through the stories we encounter.

And so, young ones, remember this: Do not seek art that merely entertains or distracts, but seek the art that moves the soul, that awakens empathy within you. Let your creations, your work, and your lives be infused with the power of empathy, for in understanding others, we come to understand ourselves. In the pursuit of empathy, you will find the deeper purpose of your journey. And in this, you will discover the true strength of the human spirit—its ability to connect, to heal, and to transform.