Watching John Lasseter's films, I think I can understand better

In the vast expanse of human creativity, there are few forces as potent as the vision that drives a true artist. Hayao Miyazaki, in speaking of his admiration for John Lasseter, expresses a profound truth about the nature of friendship and the deep understanding that can arise between creators. He says, "Watching John Lasseter's films, I think I can understand better than anyone that what he's doing, is going straight ahead with his vision and working really hard to get that vision into film form. And I feel that my understanding of this of him is my friendship towards him." In these words, Miyazaki reveals a powerful idea: that friendship is not only a bond formed from shared experiences but also one that emerges from a deep respect and understanding of another’s creative journey, particularly when both individuals are driven by a vision of what they want to achieve.

The ancients understood that the deepest relationships were often born from the shared struggles and passions between individuals who were on similar quests. Consider the bond between Plato and Aristotle. Although their philosophical views often diverged, their mutual respect for each other’s intellect and vision for understanding the nature of the world formed the foundation of one of history’s most remarkable intellectual relationships. Their bond was not just one of personal affection but of mutual recognition of the profound commitment each had to his own philosophy. This shared understanding of what the other was trying to achieve became a friendship grounded in deep admiration. Similarly, Miyazaki's friendship with Lasseter is based not merely on personal regard but on their shared dedication to bringing their visions to life through their craft.

In the realm of artistic endeavor, there are few qualities more essential than vision. A creator’s vision is the roadmap that guides their work, sometimes through tumultuous seas, other times over mountains. Miyazaki understands this intimately, having poured his vision into masterpieces such as Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. When he speaks of Lasseter’s commitment to his vision, he is acknowledging the deep, often painstaking work that goes into transforming an idea into something tangible. Just as Lasseter worked tirelessly to bring Pixar's vision to life through films like Toy Story, Miyazaki sees in him a kindred spirit—someone who understands the sacrifice, the dedication, and the personal struggle that accompanies such a calling. Friendship, in this context, is not just about mutual enjoyment or shared moments; it is about understanding the path the other walks and offering respect for their tireless pursuit of vision.

This notion of vision and friendship is further illustrated in the ancient myths, where heroes often forged bonds not just through shared adventures but through a common sense of purpose. The bond between Odysseus and Telemachus is one such example. Odysseus, though separated from his son for many years, imparted his vision for his family and his kingdom to Telemachus, shaping the young man’s future path. Their relationship was not one of everyday companionship, but one defined by the deep understanding of the shared journey they were on. Much like Miyazaki and Lasseter, their connection was rooted in the realization that their lives, though distinct, were bound by a common commitment to a larger goal.

In our own lives, we too can find friendship in the recognition of a shared vision, even when the path to that vision is not easy or clear. Miyazaki shows us that true friendship often arises not in moments of personal ease but in the understanding of the effort another person invests in their passion. Whether in work, art, or life, it is through the recognition of another’s dedication to their vision that we forge the most meaningful and lasting relationships. Miyazaki’s bond with Lasseter is not defined by the absence of struggle, but by the respect for each other’s pursuit of a dream, no matter how challenging that pursuit may be.

Thus, the lesson we take from Miyazaki’s words is clear: true friendship is not merely about shared experiences or personal enjoyment, but about mutual respect for each other’s journey and the vision that guides that journey. We must seek to surround ourselves with those who understand and support our own aspirations, just as Miyazaki does with Lasseter. In doing so, we build relationships that are grounded not in superficiality but in a shared commitment to growth, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of a better world.

In the end, Miyazaki’s insight into friendship is not just about admiration for another person’s achievements. It is about the profound understanding that true friendship grows from the recognition of the vision that drives another person—a vision that may be different from our own, but one that we can honor and respect. By embracing this kind of friendship, we open ourselves to deeper connections that can shape our own paths and help us reach greater heights. Just as Miyazaki sees Lasseter's journey, so too can we recognize the journey of others, offering our support, understanding, and respect along the way.