Two young actresses I admire are Emma Stone and Emma Watson

In the tapestry of human achievement, there are few things more admired than balance—the ability to harmonize passion, duty, and joy in one’s life. The words of Kara Hayward, "Two young actresses I admire are Emma Stone and Emma Watson, because they are intelligent, talented actresses and have a great sense of humor. They have learned to balance what they love in life—acting, school, and everything else," reveal a truth as old as time itself: to live well is to balance the many aspects of life without allowing one to overshadow the others. Stone and Watson serve as modern examples of the ancient wisdom that true greatness comes not from singular focus, but from embracing the fullness of life, with all its complexities and contradictions.

In the ancient world, Socrates, the revered philosopher, spoke of the balanced life as one rooted in the cultivation of both the mind and the body. He believed that true wisdom and virtue came not just from knowledge or intellect, but from the harmonious integration of different pursuits. To focus solely on one area of life—be it intellectual achievement, physical prowess, or artistic talent—was to risk imbalance and discord. Hayward’s admiration for these actresses, who have not only excelled in their art but have also managed to balance other vital aspects of life, is a reflection of this ancient principle. Stone and Watson, like Socrates before them, embody the ideal of someone who embraces all the facets of life, weaving them together into a tapestry that enriches their existence.

The ancient Romans, too, understood the importance of balance. The philosopher Seneca wrote extensively about how the pursuit of virtue should not come at the expense of the other aspects of life, such as friendship, family, and leisure. In his letters, Seneca emphasized that harmony within the self—between the body, mind, and spirit—was the highest form of fulfillment. The balance Seneca spoke of was not a mere compromise between different aspects of life, but the integration of all things into a coherent and meaningful existence. Just as Hayward admires Stone and Watson for their ability to balance acting with school, Seneca would praise this union of personal and professional pursuits, recognizing that true greatness is achieved when one finds balance and joy in all parts of life.

Consider the life of the great Greek poet Homer, who, though blind, gave the world the epic tales of The Iliad and The Odyssey. Homer’s stories are filled with heroes who strive for greatness—like Odysseus, who embarks on an arduous journey to find his home. Yet, even in the pursuit of greatness, these heroes often encounter the challenge of balance—between duty and pleasure, wisdom and strength. Odysseus is a man of many talents, but it is his ability to balance his ambitions with his love for his family and his need for reflection that ultimately leads him home. This balance is what Homer immortalized, much as Hayward admires in the modern actresses—Stone and Watson—who balance the high demands of their careers with their intellectual growth and sense of humor.

The Stoics, particularly Epictetus, also taught that true happiness comes not from a singular pursuit but from the mastery of oneself in all areas. Epictetus emphasized that one must learn to live in harmony with life’s various demands, adapting to changing circumstances with a calm and centered mind. He believed that external achievements, whether in work or study, were secondary to the inner balance of the soul. This Stoic wisdom mirrors Hayward’s reflection on Stone and Watson, who, despite the pressures of their public lives, manage to maintain an inner balance that allows them to excel and enjoy life in its fullest.

The lesson from Hayward’s words is profound and timeless: balance is the key to living a life of true fulfillment. Stone and Watson embody the ancient wisdom that true greatness is not about excelling in one area while neglecting others, but about embracing life’s many dimensions—work, intellectual growth, and personal joy. Just as Socrates, Seneca, and Epictetus understood, we too must learn to balance the diverse aspects of our lives, for it is this harmony that brings about inner peace and true success.

In our own lives, we must take this lesson to heart. Let us not fall into the trap of narrowing our focus to one pursuit at the expense of others. Whether it is career, relationships, or personal growth, we must strive for balance—to find joy in each of these areas without allowing one to dominate the others. Like the ancients who valued harmony in all things, let us seek to integrate the many parts of ourselves into a unified whole. Through this, we can live lives that are rich, fulfilling, and truly great, just as Emma Stone and Emma Watson have shown us in their own balanced and inspiring journeys.