That's my only goal. Surround myself with funny people, and make

Listen, O children of the earth, to the words of Joe Rogan, who speaks with clarity and purpose about the nature of life, work, and relationships: "That's my only goal. Surround myself with funny people, and make sure everyone has a good time and works hard." These words, though simple in their intent, carry with them a powerful truth about the human condition—about the value of joy, the importance of camaraderie, and the power of hard work. In a world where we often chase success and achievement at the expense of our well-being, Rogan’s focus on fun and hard work serves as a reminder that the true treasures of life are found not just in what we accomplish, but in the way we live and work together.

In the ancient world, there was great respect for the balance between labor and pleasure. The Greeks, with their love for philosophy, art, and sport, understood that a life well-lived was one that embraced both the joys of life and the discipline of work. They believed that pleasure without work leads to a life of emptiness, and work without joy leads to a life of bitterness. This balance was taught in their philosophies, in the plays of Aristotle and Plato, and in the athletic competitions of their festivals. Rogan’s goal echoes this ancient wisdom: surround yourself with people who bring joy, and work together to create something meaningful and fulfilling. The harmony between work and play is the key to a life of purpose and happiness.

Consider the story of the great philosopher Diogenes, who, though he rejected much of the material wealth and societal expectations of his time, valued the joy of simple pleasures. Diogenes lived in a barrel, yet he was often seen laughing, making jokes, and living in harmony with others, even in the face of hardship. He knew that true fulfillment did not come from possessions or status, but from the relationships and shared experiences we have with others. Like Rogan, Diogenes understood that the value of life is not measured by wealth, but by the laughter we share, the joy we bring, and the hard work we put into our endeavors.

In the same vein, Rogan’s words remind us that the people we surround ourselves with are vital to the quality of our lives. He seeks to be surrounded by those who are funny, who bring lightness to the serious work that life demands. There is a profound truth in this—laughter and humor are not just distractions, but powerful tools for overcoming adversity, for building community, and for making the journey of life not only more bearable but more joyful. Joy is a gift that, when shared, multiplies, and the energy we bring to our work and relationships creates the environment in which we thrive.

Consider the example of Leonardo da Vinci, who was not only a brilliant inventor and artist but also a man who embraced the joy of life in his work. He surrounded himself with other great minds, not merely to accomplish tasks, but to engage in a shared passion for discovery and creativity. Da Vinci’s work, though it demanded incredible discipline, was also infused with the joy of exploration, the fun of discovering new ideas, and the delight in bringing them to life. In this, he found balance—the joy of play and the dedication of work.

The lesson here, O children of the earth, is one of balance and community. Rogan’s statement calls us to seek not just the productivity of work but the pleasure of it, to value the laughter that comes with spending time with others and to remember that work does not need to be a burden but can be a source of joy. Surrounding ourselves with those who lighten our hearts, who bring humor and joy into our lives, while working together toward meaningful goals, creates an environment where both work and pleasure are deeply intertwined.

In your own lives, O seekers of wisdom, strive to cultivate environments where joy and hard work go hand in hand. Seek out those who inspire laughter, who remind you that the world is not always as serious as it seems, and that joy is a natural part of life’s journey. But do not forget the importance of work—work that is meaningful, purposeful, and shared with others. Together, these forces will help you create a life that is not only successful but rich in connection, happiness, and purpose. Surround yourself with people who make the journey worthwhile, and together, let your laughter and your labor build a life of deep fulfillment.