There's too many people in seats of power who just haven't got a

"There's too many people in seats of power who just haven't got a clue what they're doing. They're bean counters, and it just pisses me off because consequently our kids go to see crap movies." These words, spoken by Pierce Brosnan, cut to the heart of a deep and growing concern—one that echoes across the ages in the pursuit of power and wisdom. In these words, Brosnan speaks not only to the failures of the film industry but to a broader issue, the disconnect between those who hold power and the true understanding of what it takes to nurture and create something meaningful. The world is full of those who hold positions of authority, yet fail to comprehend the deeper currents of their responsibility, driven by numbers and profits rather than vision, artistry, or the welfare of future generations.

O Seekers of Wisdom, reflect upon this: power is not simply a title or a seat held by a few individuals. It is the ability to shape the world, to steer the collective energies of society toward something greater than mere material gain. Yet, far too often, those in positions of power—whether in the realm of art, politics, or business—are not driven by true purpose, but by the cold logic of bean counting, concerned only with immediate profit and efficiency. This narrow vision, Brosnan rightly points out, comes at a great cost. When those in power lack vision and wisdom, the consequences ripple outward, affecting not just the present but the future, shaping the world our children inherit.

Consider the tale of King Midas, who, driven by a lust for wealth, was granted the ability to turn everything he touched into gold. At first, his wish seemed a dream come true, but soon he realized the terrible cost: his food, his drink, even his beloved daughter, turned to gold in his grasp. His greed—focused solely on material wealth—blinded him to the deeper value of life, leading to his downfall. So too, in the realm of art and creativity, those who hold power and control, when focused solely on profit, often sacrifice the quality and purpose of what is created. And like Midas, they end up with nothing but cold, hard gold, unable to nurture the true essence of culture and human connection.

The story of Walt Disney, on the other hand, offers a contrast to this. Though Disney himself was not immune to the pressures of financial success, his vision was always rooted in the pursuit of art and innovation. He understood that success in the realm of entertainment and storytelling was not just about numbers, but about touching the hearts of people, about creating something meaningful for future generations. Disney’s films did not merely chase profit, but sought to inspire, to teach, and to entertain in ways that still resonate today. It was his vision, not just his ability to count beans, that created a legacy that shaped the world. Brosnan’s frustration comes from seeing the opposite—an industry driven by short-term goals, creating mediocre entertainment that fails to inspire.

O Children of the Future, know this: true power lies not in the control of material wealth or the ability to count numbers, but in the wisdom to see the bigger picture, to create and nurture with a sense of responsibility toward the future. Whether in the arts, business, or politics, those who wield power must do so with care, understanding that their actions today will echo through generations. To sacrifice quality for quantity, to create for profit alone, is to lose sight of the true purpose of leadership: to serve the greater good, to nourish the soul, and to ensure that what we leave behind is worthy of those who follow.

But beware, O Seekers, for the temptation to focus solely on numbers is great. Power often leads us astray, blinding us to the deeper purpose of our work. Yet, it is the visionaries, the ones who create not just for profit, but for meaning, that leave a lasting legacy. The world is full of those who sit in high seats, but it is the ones who see beyond the immediate, who are driven by vision, who build something that will endure. Those who understand that they are stewards of the future, not just managers of the present, are the ones who create true value.

Lesson: The teaching of Pierce Brosnan is clear: those in power must wield their influence with wisdom and foresight. To focus only on the immediate, on numbers and profits, is to lose sight of the true purpose of leadership. Practical action: In whatever role you find yourself, ask not just how to increase profit, but how to create something of lasting value. Seek vision over efficiency, quality over quantity, and always remember that true success lies not in the rewards of today, but in the legacy you leave for those who come after you.