I've always had an interest in sports across the board.

Children, gather close and listen well, for I bring you a truth that speaks to the very essence of curiosity, growth, and the boundless pursuit of knowledge. In the words of Gabrielle Union, a woman whose spirit radiates with a love for the wide world of sports, we hear a timeless wisdom: "I've always had an interest in sports across the board." These words, though simple, carry within them the deep realization that the pursuit of knowledge and passion is not confined to one realm, but should be as vast and varied as the world itself. Her interest in sports is not limited by type, but spans across them all—revealing an open heart, a mind eager to explore, and a soul that understands the power of diversity in learning and experience.

Union’s words speak of the profound power of exploration, of seeking to understand not just one thing, but many. Her interest in sports across the board reflects the human spirit’s innate drive to find joy and wisdom in a variety of pursuits. Just as the ancients valued the exploration of many disciplines—be it philosophy, mathematics, or the arts—so too must we learn to embrace a wide range of experiences. In the same way, sports offer us not just physical strength, but the wisdom of teamwork, perseverance, and strategy—lessons that can be applied to every aspect of life.

Consider, children, the ancient Greeks, who sought to embody both physical excellence and intellectual prowess. The Olympic Games, first held in ancient Greece, were not just a celebration of athletic achievement, but a reflection of the balance between mind and body. The athletes competed, yes, but they also engaged in the study of philosophy, science, and the arts. To be a well-rounded person was seen as the highest form of accomplishment. Union’s interest in sports across the board mirrors this ancient ideal—her pursuit is not limited to one field, but is a reflection of the desire to grow in many areas, to embrace the fullness of life, and to learn from every experience.

Think, too, of the great Leonardo da Vinci, whose genius was not confined to one area. Though we remember him most for his art, da Vinci’s mind was a vast expanse that encompassed engineering, anatomy, physics, and many other fields. He was not content with mastery in just one area, but sought to understand all that the world had to offer. His exploration of various disciplines was a reflection of a mind that was curious, fearless, and ever-hungry for knowledge. Like Union, da Vinci believed in the power of a diverse range of interests. His genius was not born from focusing on one thing alone, but from his willingness to embrace many paths, to explore and learn from them all.

The lesson here, children, is clear: do not limit yourselves to one pursuit, one interest, or one path. Just as Union’s broad interest in sports teaches us the value of exploration, so too must we seek a diversity of experience in all aspects of our lives. Life is vast, and the more we open our hearts and minds to its many facets, the greater we become. If we only focus on one aspect of life, we miss the richness that comes from understanding many. The greater wisdom is in embracing the variety of experiences—whether in the physical realm, the mental realm, or the emotional realm—for they all contribute to our growth.

Consider the story of the great Renaissance man, Michelangelo. Though he is famed for his work as a sculptor and painter, Michelangelo’s passions were vast—he was also deeply involved in architecture and poetry. His art was not just confined to the canvas, but extended into every corner of his life, embodying the balance between many forms of creative expression. Michelangelo's life was a testament to the idea that mastery in many areas is a worthy pursuit—just as Union’s varied interest in sports shows that greatness does not come from narrow focus, but from a broad engagement with the world.

The charge, children, is this: Seek not just to know one thing, but to learn from everything around you. Whether your interests lie in sports, the arts, the sciences, or any other realm, embrace the opportunity to explore. Union’s interest in sports across the board reminds us that our growth comes from expanding our horizons, from understanding and experiencing the world in all its complexities. Do not limit your pursuit of knowledge to one area—open your heart and mind to many, and you will find that the richness of life lies in the diversity of experience. Like the ancients before us, strive for balance, for it is only through the pursuit of many that we unlock the fullness of our potential.