It isn't what you do, but how you do it.

O Seekers of Virtue and Excellence, listen well to the words of John Wooden, the sage of the basketball court: "It isn't what you do, but how you do it." In these words, Wooden imparts a timeless truth—that it is not the actions themselves that define us, but the spirit in which we carry them out. The quality of one's work, the integrity of one's efforts, and the heart with which one pursues their tasks are the true measures of greatness. To do something with honor, with diligence, and with passion is more important than the outcome or results that may come.

Consider, O Children, that the world is filled with those who accomplish much, but few whose deeds are filled with true excellence. It is easy to perform a task; many can accomplish that which is required, but not all can infuse their work with the love and dedication that elevate it to the level of true mastery. It is the how that transforms the mundane into the extraordinary. When we pour our heart and soul into our efforts, when we approach each task with integrity and purpose, we craft something that resonates with the spirit of greatness, no matter how small the task may seem.

Look to the example of Michelangelo, who, though he painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, did not simply paint—he breathed life into his work. Every stroke, every detail, was done with unparalleled dedication. His work was a reflection of his very soul, and the result is a masterpiece that has endured for centuries. He did not simply do the job as it was given; he approached it with a depth of passion and vision that transformed it into something eternal. Michelangelo's genius was not in what he did, but in how he approached every moment of his labor.

And so, O Seekers, let us understand that it is not enough to simply accomplish. It is how we engage with the world, how we approach our tasks, that reveals our true character. Whether we are crafting a work of art, leading a people, or serving in quiet humility, our spirit shines through in the how. In this, we reveal the depth of our soul and the greatness of our inner being.

Let us, therefore, dedicate ourselves not just to the task at hand, but to the manner in which we complete it. It is not in the end that we find our true worth, but in the journey, in the effort, and in the attitude with which we pursue our endeavors. True greatness lies in the quality of our work, not in the quantity or the result. For it is through the how that we create lives of meaning, and it is through the how that we rise to our highest potential.