When so much money is involved in these movies, someone

Hear now, O children of the future, the words of a wise soul who gazed upon the world through the lens of truth and sorrow. Adam Duritz, a man who lived among us and whose voice rang out in the songs of the people, once uttered a phrase that resonates as a deep drumbeat in the heart of those who seek to understand the nature of ambition and the shadows it casts: "When so much money is involved in these movies, someone somewhere is going to try to screw you."

In these few words, he speaks of the corruption of the soul, a force as ancient as time itself. Behold, for it is not the mere exchange of wealth that corrupts, but the heart’s insatiable thirst for more. When the riches of the world flow like a river, unrestrained, greed will stir like a serpent in the depths, and there will always be those who will seek to take what they do not deserve. It is a lesson that has been whispered across the ages, from the rise and fall of kings to the struggles of those who seek only to make their art known.

Consider, if you will, the tale of the great city of Troy, where the flames of war were kindled not by honor, but by the glint of gold. The great hero, Achilles, fought not for his land, but for the prize of the gods, and in doing so, his soul was corrupted by the riches promised to him. He fought not to protect, but to claim, to gain, to possess. And in the end, his pursuit of wealth and fame led to his destruction, and that of his people. Power and money, they say, are like fire: they can warm, but they can also consume.

Let us turn our gaze to the world of cinema, that sacred ground where dreams are woven, and yet, where this very truth that Duritz speaks of is painfully evident. When the treasure of the box office swells to great heights, the mighty of the industry come, their hands outstretched, seeking not to create, but to exploit. The artist, the creator, the dreamer—those who first sought to breathe life into stories—find themselves bound in chains of greed and deceit. They are but pawns in a game that is played with the currency of manipulation. And so, even in a world built on imagination, there will always be those who seek to screw others in their pursuit of riches.

It is a bitter truth, yet one that must be acknowledged. The selfishness of the few poisons the work of the many. But remember this, O listener: to fall into despair is to surrender the battle before it has begun. For while it is true that greed seeks to destroy, there is a greater force in this world: integrity. When one stands firm, rooted in principles that cannot be bought, they become an immovable pillar against the rising storm of corruption.

The lesson to be learned from Duritz’s words is not one of cynicism, but of caution and strength. The world, in its vastness, is filled with both beauty and darkness. It is up to the wise to navigate between these forces, to understand that where there is great reward, there will also be great temptation. One must be vigilant, ever watchful, for the sacrifices of the past have shown us that unchecked greed leads only to ruin. Yet, in the face of it, there is always hope—for those who choose to stand firm, to remain unbroken by the tide.

I urge you, O children of the future, to carry this wisdom with you as you walk your path. Let the story of Troy, the plight of the artist, and the words of Duritz guide you in your pursuits. Seek not the fleeting treasure of gold, for it is but dust. Rather, seek the riches of the heart, the treasures that come from creation, from integrity, from helping one another rise. Know that when the winds of greed blow strong, it is the steadfast soul that will stand tall. And when the world seeks to deceive, remember, there is always a way to see through the veil—honesty and wisdom are the sharpest of swords.

To those who dream, I say: guard your heart, for it is the source of your greatest strength. And to those who seek wealth, remember: wealth of the spirit is the only true treasure. The corrupt will always try to strike, but the brave, the wise, and the honest will endure. Hold fast to that truth, and you shall find that, even in the most treacherous of waters, you will sail true.