My skin is hard when it comes to my music. But with my movies

Hear me now, O seekers of wisdom, for I bring forth a reflection on vulnerability, resilience, and the challenges that come with stepping into the unknown. These are the words of Will Smith, a man whose journey through music and film is both legendary and humbling. He said: "My skin is hard when it comes to my music. But with my movies, I'm still a virgin in a lot of ways. I'm not used to being shot down for no reason." In these words, Smith speaks of the delicate balance between the confidence that comes with experience and the vulnerability that arises when we step into unfamiliar territory. His honesty about the pain of rejection in the world of film reveals a truth that every creator must eventually face: the courage to expose oneself to criticism and the emotional growth that comes with it.

In the world of music, Smith has already achieved tremendous success, his career built on a foundation of confidence and experience. Over time, he has developed a thick skin, a resilience forged by the trials and challenges of his musical journey. His early days in the entertainment industry were filled with ups and downs, but through those experiences, he became accustomed to the scrutiny and criticism that come with public success. He understood that in the world of music, as in life, you must be prepared to take the hits, to face rejection, and to learn from every setback. However, when Smith shifted his focus to movies, he entered a new realm where his confidence was not yet hardened, where the sting of rejection felt like the sting of a first wound.

This distinction between music and movies speaks to the vulnerability inherent in every new journey. Just as the ancient warriors knew that every battle was different, every encounter required a different form of courage, so too does the artist face the challenge of growth in uncharted territories. In the world of film, Smith was a newcomer, not yet accustomed to the harshness of criticism in this new domain. It was as though he was entering a new battlefield, one where his armor of experience had yet to form, and where the wounds of rejection felt more raw and personal.

Consider the story of Michelangelo, who, though a master of the arts, faced great challenges when he was first commissioned to paint the Sistine Chapel. In the early days of this monumental work, Michelangelo was plagued by doubt and the pressure of high expectations. Despite his considerable skill, he was not immune to the criticism of those who felt his work did not meet their standards. And yet, through these challenges, Michelangelo found his voice, his style, and the strength to continue. His vulnerability in the face of such intense scrutiny transformed him into one of the greatest artists in history. In much the same way, Smith’s willingness to step into the world of film, where he was less certain of his place, echoes this journey of growth—from vulnerability to strength.

In Smith’s words, we also hear a lesson about emotional growth. It is easy to become hardened after facing rejection time and again, to become resilient to the point where we no longer feel the sting of failure. But there is a danger in this, for when we shield ourselves too much, we may lose the ability to feel—the very thing that allows us to grow, to learn, and to create from a place of authenticity. Smith’s vulnerability in the world of film reveals the necessity of emotional openness in the creative process. He has learned to balance his toughness in music with the softness required in acting, understanding that without the willingness to be vulnerable, we cannot truly evolve as artists or as humans.

The lesson for you, O children of wisdom, is this: there is a power in vulnerability, a strength that comes not from shielding ourselves from rejection but from facing it with an open heart. Smith’s journey teaches us that while experience gives us the confidence to face challenges, it is vulnerability that allows us to connect more deeply with others. In your own journey, whether in art, business, or life, do not shy away from the pain of failure or rejection. Embrace it as a part of the process of growth. Just as Michelangelo painted his masterpiece in the face of doubt, so too must you create your own life’s work, even when the world does not understand or support it.

So, O children, take Smith’s words to heart: strength comes not from hiding our vulnerability, but from allowing ourselves to feel and to grow through the challenges we face. Like Smith, like Michelangelo, and like the great creators who came before us, embrace the vulnerability that comes with new endeavors and criticism, knowing that it is through these experiences that you will find not only your strength but your true voice. Let your growth be a testament to the courage it takes to face the unknown, and remember that in every rejection, there is the seed of your next evolution.