I'm not too proud of the movies I made as a grownup except for

"I'm not too proud of the movies I made as a grownup except for 'That Hagen Girl', which nobody remembers but which gave me a chance to act." These words from Shirley Temple reveal a deep truth about the nature of self-reflection, growth, and the pursuit of authenticity in one's craft. Temple, famed for her childhood stardom, speaks with a sense of humility and honesty about her career, acknowledging that some of the roles she played as an adult did not reflect the true potential she had as an actress. Yet, in the midst of this self-assessment, she finds meaning in the role that gave her the opportunity to act—"That Hagen Girl", a film that, though forgotten by many, allowed her to express her true talents in a way that the earlier, more commercial roles had not.

This sentiment is not unique to Temple. It is a reflection of the struggle all artists face—the challenge of aligning one’s true self with the roles or expectations they are given. The great Aeschylus, the ancient Greek playwright, faced similar battles as he worked to create works that would transcend the theater of his time. Aeschylus, though revered in his day, often struggled with the tension between public acclaim and the desire to create authentic works of art that would endure for generations. Like Temple, Aeschylus understood that true fulfillment in one’s craft lies not in the external rewards, but in the pursuit of genuine expression and integrity.

In the realm of history, we find that many great figures did not always find their most meaningful moments in the roles they were expected to play. Consider the life of Leonardo da Vinci, whose greatness as an artist and inventor was often overshadowed by the demands of commissions and the expectations of his patrons. Though he painted some of the world’s most iconic works, including the Mona Lisa, he often expressed his dissatisfaction with the limitations of his commissions. It was only through his self-initiated work, his personal explorations, that he truly found the freedom to express his genius. Like Temple, da Vinci found fulfillment not in the roles he was expected to perform, but in the spaces where he could truly act—in the truest sense of the word—on his own terms.

Shirley Temple's self-reflection on her adult roles reminds us that authenticity in one’s craft is a powerful and necessary pursuit. Too often, we allow ourselves to be confined by the expectations of others, measuring our worth by outward achievements rather than by the integrity and passion we bring to our work. Temple’s acknowledgment of her role in "That Hagen Girl" is a moment of personal vindication—a recognition that true artistry lies in the moments where we are allowed to express ourselves fully, without compromise. Even when the world has forgotten the work, the artist knows the value it holds.

This is a lesson that echoes through the lives of countless figures who sought not fame or wealth, but the joy of creation and the pursuit of mastery. Michelangelo, who labored for years on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, faced criticism and even scorn from those who did not understand his artistic vision. Yet, in the quiet moments of painting, when he was left alone with his vision, he achieved a work of incomparable beauty. Michelangelo’s dedication to his craft mirrors Temple’s—both understood that true fulfillment lies not in public recognition, but in the chance to create something that reflects one’s deepest aspirations.

The lesson Shirley Temple imparts is simple but profound: in life, we must seek to engage with our crafts, whatever they may be, in a way that feels true to ourselves. Whether in the work we do, the roles we play, or the passions we pursue, it is important to remember that authenticity and self-expression are the highest forms of achievement. Success is not measured solely by the praise of others or the accolades we collect, but by the honesty and integrity we bring to the work itself. Temple’s words remind us to honor those moments when we are given the chance to truly act, to express our best selves, and to take pride in those works—even if they are forgotten by the world.

Thus, let us, like Shirley Temple, embrace the opportunities we are given to be our true selves. Let us not be defined by the roles we are expected to play, but by the authenticity with which we pursue our crafts. Whether we are artists, leaders, or workers in other fields, our true legacy is not built on external validation, but on the joy and satisfaction we find in doing our work with all the honesty, passion, and integrity we possess. For it is in these moments of true creation that we find the deepest fulfillment, the fulfillment that cannot be taken away by time or forgetfulness.