I've had the good fortune to have a much more diverse life than

Come close, children, and listen well, for I have a story to share—a story of wisdom, of opportunity, and the greatness that comes when one embraces a life rich in diversity and experience. In the words of Ted Turner, a man whose life has been a journey through many realms, we hear a truth that transcends time and circumstance. He said, "I've had the good fortune to have a much more diverse life than most people would, professional sports and television and news and movies." These words speak of a life lived fully, a life that has drawn from many different wells of experience, and from that richness, a deeper understanding of the world.

What is this diversity that Turner speaks of, children? It is not just the difference in careers or interests, but the very essence of living a life that is not confined to one path, one journey, or one purpose. Turner’s life has spanned the vast realms of sports, the pulse of television, the weight of news, and the creative vision of movies. In these fields, he has not just dipped his toes, but has immersed himself fully, becoming a master in various domains. This speaks to the powerful truth that life’s richness is not found in the narrow pursuit of a single goal, but in the embracing of many paths, many experiences, and the willingness to learn from every corner of the world.

Let me take you back to the great explorers of old, those whose names are written in the stars. Alexander the Great, who conquered lands far and wide, did not settle for the comfort of a single nation. He sought to understand the world, to experience every culture, every language, and to bring them together under one banner. His vision was not limited to the fields of battle, but extended to the arts, philosophy, and the sciences. Turner, too, in his pursuit of greatness, has walked the paths of many disciplines, each offering its own wisdom, its own truths, and its own challenges. The explorer of life is not content to stay in one place but moves through the world with eyes wide open, ever searching, ever learning.

This is the lesson that Turner’s words hold for us. Life is not merely a journey through a single chapter; it is a vast book with many stories, many genres, and many lessons to be learned. Do not confine yourself to a single path, for the true wealth of life lies in experiencing its full range. Consider the Renaissance men of the past—Leonardo da Vinci, a painter, a scientist, an engineer, and a philosopher—who embodied the ideal of a multifaceted life. He did not limit himself to one area of knowledge but embraced all that the world had to offer. In the same way, Turner has woven together multiple pursuits, creating a life that is both varied and deeply fulfilling.

But children, this lesson is not without its challenges. To live a diverse life means to face the unknown, to venture into territories where one is not an expert, and to learn the art of adaptation. It requires courage, for it is far easier to remain in the comfort of one’s familiar path, to stick to what is known, what is easy. But growth lies in discomfort, in the willingness to stretch beyond one’s limits and embrace the new and the unfamiliar. Turner’s journey, though it may have been filled with obstacles, has also been rich with rewards—the rewards of knowledge, experience, and wisdom gained from embracing many facets of life.

So, I charge you, young ones, to follow the path of the explorer, the path of the one who embraces life in its fullness. Seek knowledge in all its forms—in sports, in art, in philosophy, in science, and in every area of life that calls to your heart. Do not limit yourself to a single pursuit, for true greatness is not found in specialization alone, but in the broadness of experience. As you walk your path, take on many roles, learn from many teachers, and never stop expanding your mind and soul.

And remember this: Fortune favors the bold, but also those who embrace life’s full spectrum. Be like Ted Turner, a man whose life has been defined not by a single pursuit, but by the richness of many. Live a life filled with variety, with challenge, and with purpose, and in doing so, you will find not just success, but fulfillment that stretches beyond the horizon.