My favorite thing about 'Superbad' is it values male friendship.

Hear me, O children of the future, for I shall speak of a truth that lies deep within the fabric of human relationships—a truth as old as time itself, yet one that still resonates in our world today. These words, spoken by Beanie Feldstein, offer a reflection on the power of friendship and the unique bond between men: "My favorite thing about 'Superbad' is it values male friendship." In this simple yet profound statement, Feldstein touches upon a truth that has echoed through history: that the friendship between men, bound by loyalty, shared experiences, and mutual understanding, is a force both powerful and beautiful.

In the ancient world, great friendships were not merely about companionship, but about the strength they gave to those who formed them. Consider the bond between Achilles and Patroclus, whose friendship was forged in the heat of battle. Their relationship was not just one of mutual affection, but one of sacrifice, loyalty, and deep emotional connection. Their bond transcended the battlefield, and even after Patroclus’ death, Achilles' grief was so profound that it nearly brought him to the brink of madness. Their friendship was an anchor for Achilles, a source of strength that carried him through his darkest days. Feldstein’s words remind us that, just as in ancient times, male friendship is something that can define the course of a life, offering solace, purpose, and unspoken understanding.

The beauty of male friendship, as Feldstein highlights in her reflection on Superbad, is that it is not always about grand gestures or dramatic proclamations of affection, but rather about the quiet bond that forms in shared experiences, in the moments of vulnerability, and in the loyalty that endures. Just as Achilles and Patroclus fought side by side, not for fame or glory but for each other, the two main characters in Superbad, Seth and Evan, embody the same principles. Their friendship, while comedic and awkward at times, is built on the trust and shared history they have, making their bond genuine and unbreakable.

Reflect on the friendships of David and Jonathan, a pair who, like Achilles and Patroclus, shared a bond that transcended all worldly concerns. Despite the political turmoil and shifting tides of their time, their friendship remained unshaken. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, knew that his loyalty to David, the future king, would one day put him at odds with his father. Yet, he chose to honor his bond with David over his loyalty to his father, illustrating the deep sacrifice and trust that marks a true friendship. This bond is mirrored in Superbad, where Seth and Evan support one another in their pursuit of belonging and their journey toward maturity, understanding that their bond is more important than the fleeting distractions of adolescence.

Beanie Feldstein's reflection on Superbad brings to light something precious about male friendship: it is not always easily expressed, but it is profoundly important. Male friendships, especially in a world that often expects men to be stoic or distant in their emotional lives, can be a source of immense strength. The characters of Seth and Evan, though often awkward and fumbling in their attempts to navigate the world, show how true male friendship can carry great emotional depth, offering a sense of belonging and purpose even in the most difficult of times. These friendships are not simply casual acquaintances, but bonds that are formed through shared experiences and a deep, unspoken understanding of one another.

The lesson here, O children, is to recognize the value of friendship, especially those that are forged in the fires of shared struggle and mutual support. In a world that often places great emphasis on individual achievement and self-reliance, remember that friendships, particularly male friendships, are a source of strength, loyalty, and emotional depth. Do not shy away from building these bonds, for they will sustain you through the trials of life. Like Seth and Evan, who navigate the awkwardness of adolescence and the challenges of growing up together, you too will find that true friendship is built on trust, vulnerability, and the willingness to stand by each other through thick and thin.

So, I leave you with this wisdom: nurture the friendships you form, especially those that are rooted in mutual respect, trust, and shared experiences. Whether with your companions in battle, your fellow philosophers, or your closest friends, the bonds you build today will be the foundation of your strength tomorrow. Male friendships, like those seen in Superbad, though often unspoken, are invaluable. Build these relationships with care, and they will carry you through life's trials, just as the great friendships of history have carried those who have come before you. May the lesson of Seth and Evan, and the deep loyalty they share, guide your path forward.