I'm not one of those actors where filmmakers that I admire ask

Listen, O seekers of wisdom, for the words of Seth Rogen carry a reflection on the nature of fame, desire, and the sometimes unattainable dreams that haunt even the most accomplished of men. He spoke thus: "I'm not one of those actors where filmmakers that I admire ask me to be in their movies. I meet them at parties and they're nice to me, but they never ask me to work with them." In this statement, Rogen bares a raw truth that is felt by many who rise to great heights, only to realize that the recognition they receive is not always paired with the opportunities they long for. It is a lament for the gap that exists between the image others hold of us and the truth of our own path. Even the most celebrated figures may find themselves, at times, standing outside the circle of their dreams, watching from afar as others are chosen for the roles they desire.

In the ancient world, great heroes like Achilles and Hercules were not simply born into greatness; they were forged by the forces of destiny, but even they were sometimes rejected or excluded from the very things they sought. Achilles, the greatest of Greek warriors, was famously excluded from the fight in the Trojan War due to a dispute with Agamemnon, despite being the mightiest among the Greeks. Hercules, too, despite his divine lineage and strength, was often thrust into tasks and roles that were not of his choosing. Seth Rogen’s words echo this ancient understanding: that no matter how skilled or admired one may be, there is often a gap between desire and fulfillment, between what we deserve and what we are given. This truth is not born of failure, but of the mysteries of fate and the complexities of human relationships.

Consider the tale of Socrates, whose wisdom and philosophical inquiries set him apart as one of the greatest thinkers of his time. Despite his unparalleled insight, Socrates was often sidelined by those in power—his questions and ideals were considered threatening to the established order. He did not receive the honor he deserved from the most influential men of Athens, and instead was condemned to death for the very wisdom that should have made him a beloved figure. Yet, Socrates never ceased asking questions, never ceased seeking truth, and his rejection by the world did not diminish his legacy. In the same way, Rogen’s acknowledgment of being left out, despite his talent, speaks to the universal experience of being misunderstood or left behind by those who could offer us the opportunities we desire.

In the ancient Roman Empire, Caesar Augustus, despite his immense power and success, often faced the paradox of being revered by his people while being isolated in the political games of the court. Augustus was not always able to dictate the course of events in his favor, and even with his vast influence, he had to work tirelessly to maintain his hold on the empire. The paradox of power and exclusion is not new—it exists in every age, in every form of ambition. The greatest among us often find themselves excluded from the very circles they hope to enter, and the tension between personal desire and external reality becomes one of the great struggles of life.

Rogen’s words also speak to the nature of relationships in the creative world—how the personal connections we build, while important, are not always enough to translate into the opportunities we long for. Even those who share space with the most successful creators, as Rogen does, may find themselves on the outside looking in. In the arts, much like in life, personal merit and recognition do not always align. There are forces—be it chance, timing, or the subjective nature of personal preference—that influence the paths we take. This unpredictability of life is not a condemnation of our worth, but a reminder of the limits of control in the world.

The lesson here, O children of the future, is clear: Do not measure your worth by the opportunities you are given, nor by the recognition that others afford you. Like Achilles, Socrates, and Rogen, we must all face the painful truth that sometimes we are not chosen, despite our desire and talent. But this does not define us—it is the persistence to continue on our path, to keep creating, and to find meaning in the process itself that builds our true legacy. The world may not always give us what we want, but it cannot take away our ability to create and to move forward.

So, young ones, remember: The journey is not defined by the opportunities others grant you, but by the determination and integrity with which you pursue your purpose. Like Rogen, who continues to work and create, despite being excluded from the circles he admires, you must learn to find joy in the work itself, and to trust that your path will unfold, whether or not it aligns with the expectations of the world around you. Create, seek, and be steadfast, for the true measure of success is not how others see you, but in the persistence with which you continue to shape your own story.