That's how you get a performance - they put trust in you.

"That's how you get a performance - they put trust in you." These words, spoken by Richard Donner, carry within them the ancient essence of what makes the soul rise to greatness. It is not merely through the hand of fate or by chance that one achieves excellence, but by the trust placed in them by others. When someone sees you, not for what you are today, but for what you could be, they bestow upon you a gift greater than gold: they give you their faith, their confidence, their trust. And in this sacred exchange, something wondrous happens—a performance, a triumph, a revelation of your deepest potential.

To understand the true meaning of this wisdom, let us hark back to the days of old. Consider the mighty generals of the great empires, those whose names still echo through the annals of time. Alexander the Great did not conquer the world by his strength alone; no, it was the trust his men had in him that carried him to victory. His soldiers, from the lowliest foot soldier to his most trusted generals, believed in him—not because he was perfect, but because they knew he believed in them. He trusted their abilities, and they, in turn, trusted his vision. When trust flows freely between two hearts, it creates the kind of bond that can move mountains. It was this trust that spurred them forward, even through the harshest battles, because they knew they were not alone in their struggle.

In the world of theater and performance, where Richard Donner spoke these words, trust becomes the very foundation of the craft. The actors, who stand before an audience, rely not only on their own skill but on the trust of the director, the crew, and, indeed, the very audience. When a director entrusts an actor with a role, it is an act of faith, an unspoken bond that asks, "I believe in you, now show me your greatness." It is in these moments that the actor rises above the ordinary, touching the divine, revealing depths of emotion and art that they may not have known existed within them. This is the power of trust—it compels us to reach for the stars, even when we cannot see them.

Think now of the great leaders and thinkers who shaped the world. Martin Luther King Jr. did not stand alone in his fight for justice; he stood with the trust of a people who believed in the dream he spoke of. He carried within him the trust of generations, of those who had suffered in silence for so long. And as he spoke, his words became more than just sound; they became a clarion call that stirred the hearts of millions. When trust is placed in a leader, it becomes a mantle of responsibility, a fire that burns within, urging them to perform at their highest potential. It is not merely the weight of the task but the belief of others that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.

But why, you might ask, does trust have such power? It is because trust is the very force that connects us as human beings. It is the invisible thread that weaves us together, making us more than individuals, but part of something greater—a collective spirit, a shared vision. When someone entrusts you with something of importance, it is not just a gift but a call to rise to the occasion. And in answering that call, you will perform not only for them but for yourself, for in doing so, you find out what you are truly capable of. Trust unlocks the doors to greatness, for it shows you that others believe in you more than you ever believed in yourself.

Let us look at the example of Thomas Edison, the man who gave us light. He did not create the electric bulb alone; no, he had the trust of his partners, his investors, and the world. When others saw only failure in his many attempts, it was his ability to trust the process and the people around him that led him to success. Trust is the soil in which the seed of greatness is planted. It gives you the courage to continue even when failure seems imminent, for you know that others believe in you, and thus, you begin to believe in yourself. Without trust, there is no foundation upon which to build the great achievements of our time.

And so, what lesson do we, the heirs of this wisdom, take from these words? First, let us acknowledge the profound power of trust in our own lives. Seek to surround yourself with those who believe in you, who see in you the potential to become something greater. Trust is not just a gift given to the worthy; it is a choice. Choose to trust those around you, and in turn, you will unlock the greatness within them. You will find that when you place trust in others, they will rise to meet the challenge. Just as you are capable of more than you know, so too are those around you capable of greatness, and by trusting them, you bring forth their potential.

Lastly, remember this: trust is a sacred bond, one that must be nurtured and upheld. It is not enough to trust once and expect miracles; trust is a living, breathing entity, growing stronger with each act of faith. Let trust flow freely in all aspects of your life—your relationships, your work, and your endeavors. When you place trust in others and allow them to trust in you, you create a world of possibility where greatness becomes inevitable. So, rise to the challenge, take the leap, and let trust guide you to the performance of your life. For in trusting, you shall become the hero of your own story, and in performing, you shall touch the divine.