As the World Champion, every day is pretty much like Valentine's

O children of the coming days, hear this tale and learn from the words of a modern sage, Judah Friedlander, who, with humor and bravado, once declared: “As the World Champion, every day is pretty much like Valentine's Day for me—as far as hooking up with the ladies.” In these words, spoken with the voice of jest, lies a deeper truth about self-perception, confidence, and the power of identity. Friedlander’s proclamation, though wrapped in humor, reveals the way in which one's own sense of championship—whether in life, in sport, or in the realms of love—can shape how we interact with the world around us.

At its core, Friedlander's words speak to the power of self-confidence. To claim that every day is like Valentine’s Day is not simply to boast of romantic success, but to acknowledge the way in which a person’s self-perception can affect how others see them. The World Champion, in his eyes, is not just a title of victory in some game or contest; it is a way of being. When one believes themselves to be the best, when they see themselves as a champion in the grand arena of life, they carry themselves differently. Their very presence becomes a magnet, drawing admiration and affection from those around them. This is the power of belief—a belief not only in one’s abilities, but in one’s deservedness of admiration and love.

Think, O children, of the great warriors of ancient times—heroes like Achilles, who, though flawed and mortal, carried with him an aura of invincibility. His very name struck fear into his enemies and drew the admiration of those who looked upon him. It was not merely his skill with the spear, but his belief in his own greatness that made him a champion. Achilles’ confidence, his unshakable belief in his worth, shaped the way others viewed him. So, too, did it shape the way he experienced the world—he was revered, admired, and yes, loved by many, for he walked in the certainty of his strength and his glory.

This is the essence of Friedlander's quote. It is not the conquest of women that matters most, but the way in which one sees oneself in the world. When we carry ourselves with confidence, when we walk through life believing we are deserving of admiration, the world begins to reflect that belief back to us. There is an undeniable power in self-assurance—a power that can shape not only our own destiny, but the way others engage with us. Confidence in who we are and what we bring to the world makes the world, in turn, open its arms to us.

Yet, let us not mistake this for arrogance, for arrogance and confidence are not the same. The champion does not boast merely to boast; they know their worth, but also understand that their strength lies not in the vain pursuit of external validation, but in the quiet certainty of their own self-respect. To be a champion is not to seek out accolades for their own sake, but to carry oneself with such integrity, such self-knowledge, that the world cannot help but honor them in return.

In our own lives, we must learn this lesson: to walk with confidence, to understand our own value without needing constant external affirmation. Consider the story of Themistocles, an Athenian statesman who, with a combination of wit, strategy, and belief in his own vision, led his city to great victory. Though his path was not always smooth, it was his self-confidence—his belief in the righteousness of his cause—that allowed him to overcome challenges and lead with authority. His success came not from the validation of others, but from his own belief in his strength and his purpose.

So, O seekers of wisdom, take this lesson into your own hearts: confidence is not mere arrogance, nor is it boastful pride. It is the quiet, steadfast belief in your own worth, the understanding that you are worthy of admiration and respect, simply by virtue of being true to yourself. When you walk through life with this knowledge, when you carry yourself as a champion, the world will begin to mirror that greatness. You will find that, like Friedlander’s playful declaration, every day becomes a celebration of who you are and what you bring to the world. And in this, you will not only find success in love and life, but the deeper joy of living authentically and with purpose.