No Small Lives

A great actor can transform a bit part into something amazing and memorable. That is why the acting great Stanislavsky said, “There are no small roles, only small actors.”

The quote stood out for me in a passage when I recently read Katherine Jenkin’s book, Lessons from the Monk I Married. I’d heard the quote years ago when my wife and I used to perform together in theatre shows before a growing family of three sons shifted where we spent our free time. But the quote stood out for a different reason this time, beyond its acting context.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how easy one’s day can be filled with time wasters and material pursuits, instead of focusing on doing something great. Been thinking about how the internet and television can fill our world instead of the real one that beckons beyond our door.

Stanislavsky’s quote had new meaning this time, more as a guide for life and the role we play in it. Suppose it read, “There are no small lives, only small imaginations.” Maybe that is why Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” I’m sure he wasn’t thinking small either.

What sparks your imagination? What stretches it beyond its current boundaries? Once you know, use your imagination to dream big. Act on it and become amazing. The ultimate role in life you’ll be remembered for depends on it.