Being cool, having a 'cool' energy is just not attractive to me.

Selena Gomez’s words, "Being cool, having a 'cool' energy is just not attractive to me," carry a powerful truth about authenticity and the fleeting nature of societal ideals. In a world where so many chase after the elusive and often hollow concept of being cool, Gomez’s rejection of this ideal speaks volumes. She points to the reality that genuineness and authentic connection hold far more value than a curated, superficial persona that may appear desirable to others. Her words are a call to embrace authenticity over the desire for external validation, a sentiment that transcends time and speaks to the very essence of what it means to live a meaningful life.

The ancients, too, wrestled with the idea of true worth versus external appearance. In Plato’s "Republic," the philosopher Socrates debates the nature of virtue, asserting that true beauty and wisdom are found not in how others perceive us, but in the integrity of our character. To be truly virtuous was to be concerned with the inner self—one’s actions, one’s virtues—rather than the fleeting accolades of public approval. Socrates lived a life that was often misunderstood, even ridiculed, because he was more concerned with truth and authenticity than with outward appearances. He teaches us, as Gomez does, that true attractiveness lies not in the pursuit of coolness, but in the cultivation of a genuine spirit.

Consider the story of Socrates’ student, Alcibiades, a brilliant but troubled figure in Athenian society. Alcibiades was known for his beauty, wealth, and charm, all qualities that were highly valued by those around him. Yet, despite his outward appearances, his life was marked by turmoil and betrayal. His pursuit of status and external approval led him to a life of inner conflict, revealing that even the most desirable external qualities could not bring him true fulfillment. Alcibiades’ story serves as a cautionary tale: coolness or the pursuit of shallow admiration can never lead to the lasting peace and satisfaction that comes from a life lived in truth and authenticity.

The contrast to Alcibiades can be seen in the life of Socrates’ other student, Plato, who, despite living in a society that prized wealth and power, was far more concerned with the pursuit of wisdom and virtue. Plato’s philosophical works sought to illuminate the path to the good life, one that was not dependent on the opinions of others, but on the cultivation of the soul and character. His teachings underscore the belief that the pursuit of true goodness and virtue is far more fulfilling than the empty pursuit of external validation, a truth that aligns closely with Selena Gomez’s rejection of "coolness."

Gomez’s words remind us that true attractiveness—the kind that endures and resonates—is found in a person’s ability to be genuine. In her rejection of coolness, she highlights a deeper value: that authenticity is the cornerstone of meaningful relationships, both with others and with ourselves. To be "cool" may garner temporary attention, but it is the authentic soul, unafraid to show vulnerability, kindness, and sincerity, that draws others in and leaves a lasting impact.

The lesson in Gomez's rejection of coolness is that we must resist the urge to conform to societal pressures, which often promote superficial standards of success and attractiveness. Instead, we should focus on cultivating qualities that are eternal, like honesty, compassion, and humility. It is through these virtues that we create lasting connections and deep relationships, not the hollow pursuit of being seen as "cool" by others. The coolest people in the world are those who live with a genuine spirit, who embrace their true selves, and who are unafraid to be vulnerable and authentic.

In our own lives, let us follow Gomez’s lead by choosing authenticity over conformity. Let us turn away from the pursuit of coolness and instead focus on nurturing the qualities that make us unique and valuable—qualities that are rooted in character and integrity. In doing so, we create a life that is not only attractive in the eyes of others but, more importantly, meaningful and fulfilling in our own hearts. In this, we find the true essence of beauty—a beauty that transcends outward appearance and lasts for all time.