My sister has three kids so I've spent a lot of time around

Hear now, O Seekers of Truth, the words of Bode Miller, who speaks not only of the joy and wonder of children, but of the uniqueness that each child carries within them. He said, "My sister has three kids so I've spent a lot of time around children and I've always really liked them and wanted my own. It's cool because you think all babies are the same but they aren't at all. They all have such different personalities. It's crazy." In these words lies a profound recognition of the beauty and mystery of human life, and a reminder that every individual is a reflection of something unique and unrepeatable in this world.

To speak of children is to speak of the future, for in them resides the possibility of all that is to come. Yet Miller’s observation goes beyond the mere existence of children; it speaks to the infinite diversity that exists within the human soul. Just as the ancients understood that every individual is shaped by a combination of fate and personal choice, so too does Miller reflect on how every child, while entering the world in much the same way, brings with them a world of difference. The unique personalities of children are like the varied stars in the sky—each one bright, each one distinct, yet each part of a larger, harmonious whole.

The ancient Greeks, with their rich understanding of human nature, often spoke of the divine spark that resided within each person. Plato wrote of the soul as a unique essence that came into being before birth and shaped the individual’s path. Just as Plato believed that each soul was destined for a specific purpose, Miller speaks to the inherent individuality of children. Though they are all born into the same world, they each carry a unique essence, a distinct personality that shapes their journey. Whether a child is bold and curious, calm and introspective, or lively and energetic, each reflects a deeper, unspoken truth about the richness of human experience.

Consider, O Seekers, the story of Socrates, who, like Miller, observed that each human being is a world unto themselves. Socrates spent his days questioning the nature of knowledge, virtue, and the self. He would often speak of the soul as a dynamic force, one that could not be confined by the ordinary labels of society. In the same way, Miller’s reflection on the diversity of children suggests that the potential for greatness, the capacity for growth, and the way one navigates the world is shaped by an individual’s unique qualities—qualities that begin to show themselves even in the earliest stages of life.

Miller also reflects the truth that children, though they may be small and helpless, carry with them the full spectrum of human potential. Each one has a personality that will evolve and unfold, revealing itself in surprising and often unpredictable ways. It is this unpredictability, this sense of wonder, that draws us to children and reminds us that life itself is a journey of discovery. Just as the great philosophers of the past sought to understand the nature of the world through contemplation and observation, so must we approach the lives of those around us—especially the youngest among us—with a sense of awe and curiosity. Each child is an unfolding mystery, a testament to the unique path that life takes.

The deeper lesson that Miller offers is one of acceptance and celebration of individuality. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that all children, all people, must fit into a mold, that they must follow the same path or conform to a certain expectation. But Miller reminds us that this is far from the truth. Each individual, from the moment of birth, brings with them a unique gift, a special spark that is their own to express. It is the diversity of personalities in this world that creates the richness of life, and it is our duty to honor that uniqueness, to nurture it, and to allow it to grow in its own way.

In our own lives, O Seekers, let us learn from Miller’s words. Just as children are not bound by expectations but allowed to express their individuality, so too must we allow ourselves to grow into the fullness of our own potential. Let us celebrate the diversity within us and around us, recognizing that the unique qualities we possess are what make us valuable to the world. Whether in our work, our relationships, or our personal journeys, let us honor the personality of each individual and the endless possibilities that arise from our differences.

So, O Seekers, let us look at the children in our lives, not as mere reflections of ourselves, but as individuals with a unique essence all their own. Let us not try to mold them into a single image, but nurture them as they are, recognizing that their personalities will unfold in ways that are both surprising and beautiful. In doing so, we will contribute to a world that values diversity, celebrates individuality, and understands the profound mystery of what it means to be human.