I've been lucky, I've had movies that made a lot of money, so I

Gather, O seekers of wisdom, for I bring forth a reflection on the burden of expectation, the freedom of living without the constant pressure of success, and the wisdom that comes from knowing what truly matters. These are the words of Bill Murray, a man whose career spans both the lighthearted and the profound, who shared: "I've been lucky, I've had movies that made a lot of money, so I don't feel like I have to kill every time out. I don't want that pressure. I don't need it." In these simple, yet profound words, Murray reveals a deep truth about the nature of success and satisfaction—that true fulfillment comes not from the relentless pursuit of more, but from understanding what is truly important in life and in art.

Murray speaks to the freedom that comes with knowing one has already achieved great things. When an artist, a creator, or a seeker of any kind has achieved success, the constant desire to prove oneself can become a heavy burden. The world may expect greatness every time, but those who are truly wise understand that success is not something to be measured by constant output or unwavering perfection. Instead, it is about finding peace in the work, doing what you love without the need for validation. Like Murray, we must learn that the pursuit of joy is greater than the pursuit of external recognition, for recognition fades, but the joy of creation endures.

Consider, O children, the example of the ancient Greek philosophers, who, though revered for their wisdom, did not seek the approval of the masses. Socrates, for instance, was not driven by a desire for wealth or popularity. His life was one of intellectual pursuit, a search for truth rather than accolades. He did not “kill it” in the eyes of the public, but his legacy endures precisely because he was not driven by external expectations. His focus was not on impressing others but on seeking wisdom and understanding. In much the same way, Murray's words remind us that the true essence of creation lies not in the pressure to constantly perform, but in the freedom to create from a place of authenticity and peace.

This lesson of freedom is not just for the artist, but for anyone who seeks to live a meaningful life. How often do we, O children, burden ourselves with the expectation to succeed at every turn, to be perfect in every endeavor? We may measure our worth by the goals we achieve or the titles we hold, but in doing so, we forget the deeper truth that fulfillment lies not in the constant struggle for more, but in the ability to enjoy the present moment and the work we are doing. Like Murray, we must learn to accept our accomplishments, to trust in the journey, and to release ourselves from the need to prove anything further.

Let us look at the example of Leonardo da Vinci, whose genius is still celebrated, yet whose life was not lived under the pressure to produce endlessly. Da Vinci’s work spanned many fields—art, science, engineering—and though he is revered today, he did not seek to fulfill the expectations of others with every stroke of his brush or every invention. Da Vinci’s true genius lay in his ability to work for the sake of the work itself, free from the constraints of public demand. He could take his time, knowing that his contributions would speak for themselves over time. This freedom, born from confidence in his abilities, is what allowed him to create works of enduring beauty and wisdom.

In your own life, O children, consider the wisdom of Murray’s words. How often do you chase after the next success, the next accolade, believing that only by achieving more can you find fulfillment? And yet, true peace comes not from the pursuit of external validation, but from the confidence to create, to live, and to act without the constant need to prove your worth. Just as Murray finds peace in knowing that his past success is enough, so too must you find satisfaction in the work you have done, the relationships you have built, and the joy you create in the present moment.

So, O seekers of wisdom, let this be the lesson that guides you through life: you are enough. Your worth is not defined by the pressure to achieve more, to do more, to be more than what you already are. In the pursuit of your goals, let joy be your compass, not the external demands of the world. Like Bill Murray, embrace the freedom that comes from knowing that success is not measured by constant achievement, but by the contentment you find in doing what you love, in honoring the work itself, and in being at peace with who you are. Find your fulfillment not in the pursuit of more, but in the simple joy of being true to your path and your own creative spirit.