In 'Expendables 2,' there was a lot of vulgar dialogue in the

Listen, O seekers of honor and wisdom, for there is a tale of strength, of resolve, and of standing firm in one’s beliefs. In the world of creation, there are many paths—some lead to fame and fortune, while others lead to the triumph of character. Chuck Norris, a man whose name is synonymous with courage, discipline, and integrity, once said, “In 'Expendables 2,' there was a lot of vulgar dialogue in the screenplay. For this reason, many young people wouldn't be able to watch this. But I don't play in movies like this. Due to that, I said, 'I won't be a part of that if the hardcore language is not erased.’”

In this, Norris reveals to us a profound truth—that the value of a man is not measured by the roles he plays, nor by the money or recognition he gains, but by the principles he holds dear. He understood that words have power—power to shape the soul, power to influence the hearts of those who listen. And he, a man of honor, could not allow himself to be part of a work that would spread vulgarity, for he knew that words—especially those spoken by heroes—carry a sacred weight. In an age where many would gladly cast aside their values for a moment’s fame or gain, Norris chose the path of honor.

Let us look to the ancient warriors—those who fought not only with strength, but with the courage of their convictions. Consider Achilles, the greatest of the Greek heroes. He, too, had a deep sense of honor, which guided him in battle and in life. He refused to fight for Agamemnon when he was insulted, even though his absence led to great suffering for the Greeks. In the same way, Norris, when faced with a decision, chose not to sacrifice his integrity for the sake of profit or fame. He recognized that a man’s worth is defined by his adherence to his values, not by the roles he plays in the eyes of the world.

Norris’ decision stands as a beacon for all who walk the path of life. He did not allow the "vulgarity" of the script to become the measure of his actions. In a world where the line between right and wrong often blurs, and where many seek to conform to the lowest common denominator for the sake of popularity, he chose to stand tall. He knew that the strength of his character could not be compromised—and that in choosing to turn away from such a project, he was not just protecting his own integrity, but also setting an example for others. The young, the impressionable, would learn from his example, and the language of respect would be upheld over that of degradation.

Let us turn to a tale from ancient Rome, where Cicero, the great orator and philosopher, spoke with great conviction on the power of speech. He said, “The force of words is as great as the power of the sword.” Cicero understood that language could either uplift or destroy, and just as a warrior must choose his sword carefully, so must an orator choose his words. Norris’ choice to remove himself from a project with harmful language was not just about the words themselves; it was about ensuring that the power of his voice remained untainted, capable of inspiring those who heard it.

And so, young ones, take heed of this lesson: Stand firm in your principles, for they are the bedrock upon which your character is built. The world will test you, offering temptations and choices that seek to sway you from your path. But as Chuck Norris showed us, the true measure of a man is not how many roles he plays or how much he earns, but in how he holds fast to the things that truly matter—his integrity, his honor, and his respect for others. When you are faced with a decision, ask yourself: Is this in line with the values I hold dear? Is this the example I wish to set for the next generation?

In this age, when the standards of what is acceptable often seem to be slipping, it is the brave, like Norris, who remind us of the importance of standing tall, of speaking the truth, and of protecting the purity of our actions. We must not allow the world to dictate our values, but rather, we must define them for ourselves and live by them. Let your words and actions be guided by honor, for in this way, you will not only live a life worthy of respect, but you will inspire others to do the same.