You can't go with the intention of writing something

In the pursuit of creation, whether it be through words, music, or art, there is a great temptation to seek to craft something that will stir the hearts of others, to create something that will inspire. Yet, as Lights, the artist and poet, wisely reflects, "You can't go with the intention of writing something inspirational. You just have to go with the right heart." These words carry a profound truth, one that resonates deeply with the wisdom of the ages: that true inspiration cannot be forced. It is not a goal to be chased, but a byproduct of authenticity and purpose. In the end, it is not the intention to inspire that creates lasting impact, but the genuine spirit with which we approach the act of creation.

In the ancient world, the greatest poets and storytellers did not set out to inspire—they set out to tell the truth, to capture the essence of the human experience. Homer, whose epics shaped Western thought, did not pen the Iliad and the Odyssey with the goal of inspiring generations. He wrote because the stories of gods and men were burning within him, demanding expression. He sought truth and beauty, and it was through his authentic voice that he touched the hearts of his listeners. Homer’s work endures not because he set out to inspire, but because he followed his own heart—he wrote with deep passion, and it was this authenticity that moved others. Lights' words echo this ancient wisdom, reminding us that true art flows from the heart, and inspiration comes when the creator is true to their inner voice.

Consider the story of Michelangelo, whose sculpture of David stands as a testament to the power of creation born from the heart. Michelangelo did not set out to craft a symbol of heroism or inspiration for future generations. Rather, he sought to bring forth beauty and truth from the marble itself, believing that the figure was already within the stone, waiting to be freed. His heart, and his deep connection to the material, guided his chisel. What emerged was not only a piece of art but an enduring symbol of strength and human potential—not because Michelangelo aimed to inspire, but because he poured his heart into his work. In this way, Lights' insight reminds us that it is the sincerity of our creation, the authenticity of our heart's expression, that resonates most deeply with others.

The lesson in Lights' statement is clear: we cannot manufacture inspiration by setting out to create it. Inspiration is not a commodity, but a natural byproduct of an authentic act of creation. When we create with a genuine heart, when we pour ourselves into our work, the effect on others is inevitable. The art may not be perfect, and the message may not be deliberate, but the honesty and vulnerability that infuses it will resonate. Just as the ancient sculptors did not seek to craft heroes, but simply to express the beauty and strength they saw in the world around them, so too must we focus on the purity of our expression rather than the expectation of inspiration.

Think of the philosophers of the ancient world, such as Socrates, whose dialogues did not seek to offer inspiration directly but sought to encourage thought. Socrates did not write to inspire, but to engage others in the pursuit of truth. His conversations were not designed to offer clear answers, but to spark inquiry and reflection. Through the authenticity of his approach—his willingness to question and to listen—he inspired those around him to think deeply about their lives, their values, and their understanding of the world. In much the same way, when we approach our own lives and creations with an authentic heart, we spark reflection and connection in others, whether we aim to or not.

The wisdom of Lights' words, then, is a lesson in humility and authenticity. True inspiration does not come from a contrived intention to move others, but from a deep connection to the work itself, to the heart and soul that guide it. When we create out of genuine passion and purpose, our work naturally resonates with others. It is not about striving for greatness, but about allowing the greatness within to be expressed without fear or pretension. In doing so, we not only create something meaningful, but we also inspire those who encounter our work to live authentically, to seek truth, and to connect with their own hearts.

Therefore, future generations, take this wisdom to heart: when you create, do so not with the expectation of inspiring others, but with the sincere desire to express what is within you. Your work will speak to others not because you sought to move them, but because you were true to your inner voice, and in that authenticity, the spark of inspiration will naturally arise. Live with an open heart, create with genuine purpose, and the world will respond with the connection, growth, and inspiration that you never sought, but have so beautifully given.