"Remember your roots, your history, and the forebearers' shoulders on which you stand. And pass these roots on to your children and to other children."
American Author and
Founder, Children's Defense Fund
1939 -
As writers, artists, dancers and actors, we need to know our roots, our history and the people on whose shoulders we stand. To whom do we owe a deep debt of gratitude for paving the way. Who are your mentors? Those who have taught you about your profession? Have you said thank you?
And have you passed on your knowledge onto others? Have you been a teacher or a mentor? Do you readily share your knowledge or do you keep your knowledge hidden? Age and years of experience do not matter. Even the novice has something to teach the master. Any master who does not feel he can still learn something is not a true master. We all must be open to new experiences and new ways of thinking.
This quote also applies to our family history. On whose shoulders do you stand? Were you like me to be the first in your family to attend college? To whom do you owe thanks for who you became. Without your parents, your grandparents or your great-grand parents, you would not be here. Do you know your family history? Have you collected your family stories? Have you passed those stories onto your children and your grandchildren?