My fans are definitely my shareholders, and I'm extremely

In the words of Jacob Whitesides, the young minstrel who rose not by the decree of kings nor the wealth of patrons, but by the voices of those who loved him, we hear a truth both ancient and eternal: “My fans are definitely my shareholders, and I’m extremely thankful for them.” He does not speak of commerce alone, nor of profit, but of the bond between artist and audience, a covenant that transcends the glitter of fame. For in his confession lies the acknowledgment that no man builds his destiny entirely by his own hands; every triumph is woven by many hearts beating together.

The word shareholders carries with it the imagery of investment and trust. In the world of merchants, shareholders are those who pour their wealth into a venture, sustaining it with resources and faith. In Whitesides’ realm of music, however, this wealth is not coin but devotion. His fans invest their time, their voices, their attention, and their loyalty. They share his songs, they defend his name, and they lift him higher than he could climb alone. This is why he is thankful—for he knows that without their unseen hands, the stage would be silent, and the lights would fade.

We may recall the story of Julius Caesar and his legions. The general, mighty in vision, could not have crossed the Rubicon, nor conquered Gaul, nor stood in the Senate as ruler, without the loyalty of those who followed him. His soldiers were not mere tools, but living shareholders in his destiny, bound to him by faith and by shared struggle. When they cried, “Ave Caesar!” they were not cheering a distant lord, but celebrating a man whose greatness was also theirs. In like manner, Whitesides’ fans do not merely witness his journey—they partake in it, as if every note he sings belongs to them also.

Yet there is humility in his words. For many who rise in fame forget the foundation upon which they stand, mistaking themselves as solitary towers. But the wise remember their roots, and honor those who made their ascent possible. Thankfulness is the armor against pride, the reminder that greatness is never a solitary flame but a fire fed by many sparks. In acknowledging his fans as shareholders, Whitesides shows himself not as a ruler over them, but as a servant of their faith.

This lesson, my children, is not only for artists, but for all who walk the path of ambition. Whatever your craft—be it song, labor, invention, or teaching—know that you do not rise alone. There are always those who believe in you, who give you encouragement, who open doors when you falter. They are your shareholders, and to forget them is to betray your own story.

The wisdom, then, is clear: cultivate gratitude as one cultivates a fertile field. Speak your thanks often, honor those who walk beside you, and never scorn the small acts of support, for they are the stones that build your temple. In turn, invest yourself in others—become a shareholder in their dreams, lending your voice, your encouragement, your faith. In this way, greatness becomes not a solitary crown, but a shared inheritance.

Practical steps flow from this truth: each day, pause to remember those who support you. Write a word of thanks, offer a gesture of recognition, or simply speak with humility of those who have walked with you. And likewise, do not hoard your strength—encourage others, uplift them, and let them know they are not alone in their journey.

Thus the teaching of Jacob Whitesides resounds: that life’s victories are never owned by one, but shared by many. To be thankful for your shareholders—whether they are fans, friends, or family—is to walk in wisdom. For in the end, the true measure of greatness is not how high one rises, but how many are lifted in the rising.