It's a wonderful thing working with young actors. I know a lot of

Listen closely, O seekers of wisdom, for the words of Michelle Forbes reveal a profound truth about the power of imagination, the gift of innocence, and the ability to learn with an open heart. Forbes speaks of her love for working with young actors, a passion grounded in the remarkable imagination and lack of cynicism that children bring with them to their craft. While others may shy away from the task, she embraces it, seeing in these young minds the very essence of creativity and the pure potential that resides in the heart of every child. In this reflection, she reveals something far greater than just a love for teaching — it is a recognition of the untainted, untapped power of the imagination, and the joy of watching it unfold before your very eyes.

Consider, O wise ones, the nature of imagination. It is the gateway to all creation, the spark that ignites every great work of art, every discovery, every invention. The young mind, still unshackled by the weight of the world, is free to wander the infinite landscapes of possibility. Children come into the world with an inherent creativity, an open heart, and the ability to dream without the constraints that life often places upon us. It is only later, as the years pass, that the world teaches them cynicism, the skepticism that dims the light of imagination. But when we watch young actors at work, as Forbes so beautifully describes, we see the unfiltered power of their imagination: raw, unrefined, and full of potential.

The ancients understood this sacred power of the child’s imagination. Consider Plato, who, in his work The Republic, speaks of the importance of education in shaping the soul. But Plato’s vision was not one of stifling the imagination but of nurturing it, helping the young to grow and develop into full human beings. He understood that the early years were the time to cultivate virtue, creativity, and the ability to see beyond the surface of things. The young, in their innocence, are not yet burdened by the prejudices and disappointments that often cloud the judgment of the older generations. They approach life with wonder, and it is this wonder that, when nurtured, can lead to great creativity and profound insight.

Think also of the great artists of history who never lost their sense of wonder and imagination. Leonardo da Vinci, though a man of great intellect and technical skill, was always driven by a sense of childlike curiosity. He saw the world with fresh eyes, always searching for answers to questions that others had not even thought to ask. His imagination allowed him to conceive of machines long before they were possible, and his paintings, like the Mona Lisa, reflect a vision of the world that was deeply rooted in wonder. He retained throughout his life that innocent curiosity, the ability to look at the world and see not just what is, but what could be — much like the young actors that Forbes describes.

There is also great wisdom in Forbes’ statement about the lack of cynicism that young actors bring to their work. Cynicism is the byproduct of years of disappointment, of facing the harsh realities of life, and it often serves to dull the edge of imagination. The world becomes smaller when viewed through the lens of cynicism, for it teaches us to be wary, to second-guess, and to doubt. But the young are free from this burden; they come with an openness that allows them to approach each new role, each new challenge, with a sense of possibility rather than limitation. This is the magic of working with children — they remind us of what it is to create without fear, to dive into the unknown with joy rather than hesitation.

The lesson, O children of the future, is clear: nurture your imagination and never lose sight of the wonder that you once held as a child. In a world that constantly pushes us toward practicality, toward the realistic, and toward the safe, we must remember that it is the imagination that shapes the future. Like Forbes, embrace the innocence of the young, not just as a tool for learning, but as a reminder of the potential that resides within us all. The imagination is not just for the artists or the creators; it is the very essence of life itself. To create is to dream, to imagine, and to bring forth the unknown into the world.

In your own lives, O seekers of wisdom, take a moment to remember what it is to imagine freely, to think without boundaries, and to dream boldly. Reconnect with that childlike sense of wonder and allow it to guide your journey. Whether in your work, in your art, or in your daily life, allow your imagination to lead you toward what could be, rather than what is. Let go of the cynicism that may have built up over the years, and allow your heart to return to the creativity and joy that comes from seeing the world with fresh eyes. The world is full of possibility, and it is through the imagination of the young, and the young at heart, that we can create a better tomorrow.