THE GODS was my first professional band and I learned a lot

In the journey of life, there are moments when one is thrust into the company of great masters, those who have honed their craft through years of dedication and experience. Ken Hensley, in his reflection on his time with his first professional band, THE GODS, speaks to the profound experience of learning from those who have walked the path before him. "THE GODS was my first professional band and I learned a lot during that time. It was very cool playing with so many great musicians as it helped me to learn." These words are not simply a recounting of past experiences, but a deep recognition of the value of surrounding oneself with greatness, of learning from those who have already achieved mastery.

The ancients spoke often of the value of mentorship and the importance of seeking wisdom from those who are more experienced. In Greek mythology, the gods themselves were often seen as the great mentors of humanity, bestowing wisdom and skills upon their chosen disciples. Prometheus, the titan who gave fire to mankind, represents the gift of knowledge, passed down from the divine to the mortal. Similarly, Hensley’s time with THE GODS symbolizes a moment when the young artist stands among giants, learning not just the technicalities of his craft, but the deeper truths that can only be imparted through experience and proximity to those who have already walked the difficult road to mastery.

In the ancient traditions of the warriors and scholars, it was common for the young to seek the guidance of the wise. Consider the tale of Alexander the Great, who was tutored by none other than Aristotle, one of the greatest minds of antiquity. Under Aristotle’s tutelage, Alexander learned not only the art of war but the philosophy and wisdom that would guide his decisions in battle and beyond. Just as Alexander’s strength was shaped by his teacher’s wisdom, Hensley’s musical abilities were honed through his time with THE GODS, surrounded by musicians who had already achieved a level of mastery he could only dream of. This experience, as he reflects, was a turning point, a place where he could learn and grow by simply being in the presence of those who had more knowledge to share.

In all walks of life, the greatness of those we surround ourselves with can shape our own journey. Just as Hensley was able to grow as a musician by being surrounded by talented peers, the philosophers and poets of the ancient world knew that learning from the wisdom of others was the surest way to advance in any discipline. Socrates, for instance, traveled the streets of Athens, engaging in dialogues with anyone who would listen. His ability to learn from every conversation, to find wisdom in the most unlikely places, is what set him apart as one of the greatest minds in history. Hensley’s words speak to this same principle—when we place ourselves in the company of those who have mastered their craft, we cannot help but be elevated by their knowledge and experience.

But there is also a deeper lesson in Hensley’s reflection. It is not only about learning from others but about the humility to acknowledge the wisdom that others have to offer. In ancient Rome, Cicero often wrote about the importance of humility in leadership and growth. He taught that true greatness is found not in the accumulation of knowledge, but in the recognition of how much we still have to learn. Hensley, in his time with THE GODS, was not just learning the technical skills of music, but also the importance of listening and growing in the presence of others. This kind of humility is essential for anyone seeking to grow, as it opens the doors to endless learning and personal development.

In our own lives, we must ask ourselves: who are the mentors and masters in our world, and how can we place ourselves in their presence to learn and grow? Whether in our careers, our personal lives, or our spiritual pursuits, we must recognize the power of surrounding ourselves with those who have already traveled the path we wish to follow. Just as Hensley did with his bandmates, we must seek out those who can help us refine our own skills, expand our understanding, and grow as individuals. It is through this collaboration and learning that we are able to reach our highest potential.

Finally, the lesson Hensley imparts is that greatness is not achieved in isolation. It is only by standing shoulder to shoulder with others, by being willing to learn, and by surrounding ourselves with those who challenge and inspire us, that we can truly reach the heights of our own potential. Like the great warriors and philosophers of old, we too must seek out the wisdom of others, recognizing that the journey of life is not one to be traveled alone, but one that is shaped by the contributions and insights of those who have come before us. By embracing this spirit of learning and humility, we ensure that we do not just inherit the legacies of those who shaped us, but that we also pass on wisdom to those who follow.