Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins is a wonderful actor, as movie buffs will know if they’ve seen The Silence of the Lambs or The Remains of the Day, or countless other titles.

Not surprisingly, one of the reasons he’s so compelling on film is because in real life, he’s also a complicated, interesting man. The 87-year-old has just released a memoir, We Did OK, Kid, and he has some profound thoughts that I think are meaningful for people everywhere, regardless of their political affiliation.

To me, perhaps the most salient advice is a thought which I do try to embody but frankly don’t always live up to. Despite his many challenges in his life, he maintains this philosophy:

"I never felt like a victim, and I’ve got that attitude today. Get on with it. Stop complaining," Hopkins said.

All our young people – and plenty of us longer in the tooth – should repeat this daily. Unfortunately, for too many among us, America has become a Victimhood Society, with everyone whining about what could have been different. But the movers, the shakers, those who have made history in a positive way, they shook off adversity and persevered. This is the attitude that is needed as the United States celebrates its third century of existence.

Just watched a BBC interview with Anthony Hopkins about his new memoir. He’s a man of profound humility after a life of great success and deep early regrets. He’s channeled his personal pain into his acting. Incredible man. pic.twitter.com/QxJiWYJAE3

— Anthony Bradley (@drantbradley) November 5, 2025

Hopkins was open about his mental health struggles, appearing on Dax Shepard's "Armchair Expert" podcast Monday to talk about his book. He said he actually likes being alone sometimes, something I can certainly relate to:

On the podcast, Hopkins told Shepard that he has long preferred to isolate himself most of his life and that he doesn't get lonely.

"No, I didn’t feel alone, I just felt uniquely myself. I didn’t need anyone. I never wanted to be part of anything," Hopkins said.

[…]

"I don’t know what it is. I just feel like everyone else. I’m confused, as we all are. We’re all sitting here thinking we got answers. We got labels for everything. Dyslexia, whatever. I don’t know. Just human," Hopkins replied.

"I'm comforted by the fact that you weren’t feeling lonely and isolated, you were fine," Shepard said.

"Yeah exactly. I never felt like a victim. And I’ve got that attitude today. Get on with it. Stop complaining," Hopkins said.

All too often, we see low-IQ actors (or “comedians” like Jimmy Kimmel) spouting off on things they know nothing about. Their brain-dead commentaries often lead to front-page news, but there is little interesting or profound about what they have to say.

Hopkins’ remarks, on the other hand, are an interesting introspection into the faults of mankind – and he himself – and offer deep lessons to those who are willing to listen. He has overcome his human frailties and learned a great deal in the process, and his lessons are as meaningful as any role he’s ever played.

His musings might not be relevant to everyone, but they spoke to me. Good on you, Mr. Hopkins. 

I end with this powerful reflection, which I have tried to instill in my children, even if Hopkins said it better:

But I do believe that if you say, “Wake up and live. Act as if it is impossible to fail,” we actually tap into a power that’s in ourselves which helps us to do, well, not everything, but some things.

Editor’s Note: After more than 40 days of screwing Americans, a few Dems have finally caved. The Schumer Shutdown was never about principle—just inflicting pain for political points.

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