More and more, as I grow older, I find myself looking for

Hear, O seekers of wisdom, for the words of Guillermo del Toro offer a profound reflection on the nature of inspiration, the evolution of the creative spirit, and the sources of renewal as one journeys through life. He spoke thus: "More and more, as I grow older, I find myself looking for inspiration in painting, illustration, videogames, and old movies." In these words, del Toro reveals a truth that transcends mere artistic expression—a deeper, universal realization that as the years pass, the search for meaning, for creativity, does not dwindle but expands. It is an acknowledgment that inspiration can be found not only in the places we first sought it, but in the unexpected corners of the world, in new mediums, and in the rediscovery of what once captivated us.

In ancient times, the wise men and philosophers understood that the pursuit of knowledge and inspiration was a lifelong journey. Consider Plato, who spoke of the Theory of Forms, suggesting that true knowledge comes from understanding the perfect, the eternal. Yet, he also recognized that learning is not static—it evolves with time. The pursuit of wisdom, much like del Toro’s search for inspiration, never ceases; it expands, grows, and transforms as we experience new facets of the world. Just as Plato found inspiration in the timeless world of philosophy and metaphysical forms, del Toro finds new forms of artistic inspiration in the modern wonders of painting, video games, and cinema. These new forms, much like the old ones, carry their own wisdom, their own truths, and their own ability to awaken the soul.

Let us reflect on the great Renaissance masters, whose work transcended time and form. Leonardo da Vinci, who was a painter, sculptor, engineer, and inventor, drew inspiration not only from classical art but also from the world around him. His notebooks are filled with sketches of everything from human anatomy to flying machines, showing that his inspiration was not confined to any one discipline. Da Vinci's life teaches us that the search for inspiration is a journey that moves across boundaries, that it is the intersection of many influences, many fields, that shapes the greatest creations. Del Toro, like Da Vinci, recognizes that true artistry lies in the blending of past and present, in the synthesis of different mediums and disciplines to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

In the same vein, consider the legacy of the ancient poets, who often drew from a vast array of sources—the oral traditions, myths, and personal experiences—to create their epic works. Homer, the great Greek poet, did not create his epics in isolation. He wove together a tapestry of legend, history, and personal insight to create works that resonate even today. Del Toro’s search for inspiration in old movies, paintings, and video games is akin to Homer’s search for meaning in the cultural and historical tapestry of his time. Both seek not just to reflect the world, but to transform it through the alchemy of creativity.

But it is in the new mediums, like video games, that del Toro’s words hold particular significance. Video games, often dismissed as simple entertainment, hold a rich potential for artistic expression. Games like The Legend of Zelda or Journey are not merely designed to occupy time—they are modern-day epic tales, combining art, storytelling, and interactivity in ways that engage the soul. Del Toro’s acknowledgment of video games as a source of inspiration reflects a deep understanding that art evolves with the times, and that inspiration does not reside solely in the past but can be found in the innovations of the present.

The lesson for us all is clear: The search for inspiration never ends, and it does not follow a singular path. As del Toro wisely recognizes, inspiration can come from many places—from old movies, paintings, and even video games—and we must remain open to these new forms, for they have the power to ignite the creative fire within us. Do not limit yourself to the methods you once knew, for the world is full of untapped beauty and wisdom. Seek inspiration wherever it resides, be it in the pages of an ancient text or in the pixels of a modern game. The true artist is one who is ever curious, ever seeking, and ever willing to explore new horizons.

So, young ones, let this be your guiding principle: Be open to the evolution of your own creative spirit. Just as del Toro seeks inspiration in diverse realms, so must you learn to embrace the richness of the world around you, to find beauty and meaning in all things. Let the old speak to you, and let the new awaken your soul. Through this journey of endless discovery, you will find that inspiration is a living, breathing force, and the more you seek it, the more it will transform you.