When I was 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, I had so many people I looked up

"When I was 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, I had so many people I looked up to and was so inspired by all these different people. It's cool to be in that position." With these words, Alexandra Daddario reflects on a powerful truth about the nature of inspiration and the interconnectedness of the human experience. To be inspired by others is a gift—it propels us forward, guiding us as we navigate the challenges and triumphs of our lives. Daddario’s recognition of her own role in this cycle of inspiration speaks to the responsibility we carry as individuals to lead, not just by our actions, but by the example we set for those who look up to us.

From the ancient world, the idea of role models and the mentorship of younger generations was woven into the fabric of society. The Greek philosophers, for instance, understood the importance of teaching through example. Socrates, in his wisdom, did not simply impart knowledge to his students but lived by the principles he preached, ensuring that his life itself became a living testament to his teachings. His student, Plato, carried this tradition forward, writing of the ideal leader not as one who rules with power but as one who leads through virtue and wisdom. Daddario's words echo this age-old truth: to be in a position where others look up to you is not just an honor, but a call to responsibility, to live in such a way that you inspire those around you.

Alexander the Great, too, provides an example of how powerful inspiration can be. From a young age, he looked up to the philosopher Aristotle, whose teachings shaped Alexander’s thoughts on leadership, governance, and humanity. Aristotle did not just teach Alexander through words but through his example, instilling in the young king the importance of knowledge and wisdom. In turn, Alexander’s journey across the known world—his conquest of lands and cultures—was as much about spreading the knowledge he had received as it was about physical conquest. Like Daddario, Alexander understood that the most significant impact one can have is not merely through power, but through the influence of one's example on others.

As Daddario reflects on how she was inspired by those around her, she taps into a timeless theme: the power of mentorship and the ability to shape the hearts and minds of younger generations. Every action we take, every choice we make, leaves an imprint on the world, especially on those who are looking to us for guidance. Rosa Parks, for example, was not the first person to challenge racial segregation, but her courageous decision to sit at the front of the bus sparked a movement that inspired countless others to fight for justice and equality. Parks, like Daddario, became a beacon of inspiration, showing how one individual’s actions can change the course of history. Her story teaches us that we are all capable of inspiring others through our decisions, no matter how small or large they may seem.

In Daddario’s reflection, there is a recognition of the intergenerational nature of inspiration. Just as she looked up to the figures who shaped her, she now finds herself in the position to inspire those who follow. This is the cycle of wisdom, a tradition that has existed throughout the ages: the passing down of knowledge, values, and inspiration from one generation to the next. Mahatma Gandhi knew this well, as his fight for India's independence was not just a political struggle but a spiritual one, driven by the example he set for others. He inspired millions not through grand speeches alone, but through his way of life—his dedication to truth, peace, and self-discipline.

The lesson in Daddario’s words is clear: inspiration is not a one-way street. It flows in both directions—those who inspire others are often themselves the products of earlier generations’ examples. To be in the position to inspire is a privilege, but it is also a responsibility. The true measure of our lives lies not in what we achieve for ourselves, but in the impact we have on others. Just as we were shaped by those who came before us, so too must we be mindful of how we shape the lives of those who come after us.

In practical terms, we can all take a step toward becoming the kind of role models that inspire others. Lead with integrity, act with kindness, and be consistent in your values. Understand that every small action, no matter how inconspicuous it may seem, has the power to shape someone’s life. Just as Socrates inspired Plato and Rosa Parks sparked a movement, each of us holds the potential to be a beacon of inspiration. Teach not just through words, but through example—for it is through how we live that we shape the future, just as those who came before us shaped us. Let us become the inspiration we seek in others.