Everyone hooks up with George Clooney. He's a genuinely cool guy.

"Everyone hooks up with George Clooney. He's a genuinely cool guy. He's using his powers for good." With these words, William H. Macy captures the essence of charisma, integrity, and the way that influence can be wielded for the greater good. George Clooney, known for his iconic roles and suave charm, is more than just a successful actor—he is an example of how celebrity and power can be used to promote causes larger than oneself. Macy’s tribute to Clooney highlights an ancient truth: those who possess influence, whether through wealth, status, or talent, are given a unique opportunity to shape the world. How they choose to wield this power determines their legacy, and Clooney’s decision to use his influence for positive change elevates him beyond the superficiality of fame.

This lesson is not new, for ancient philosophers often emphasized the responsibility that comes with power. Plato, in his Republic, spoke of the philosopher-king—a ruler whose wisdom, understanding, and compassion for the people made him the ideal leader. In Plato’s vision, those with the ability to influence and lead must use their position not for selfish gain, but for the common good. Clooney, much like the philosopher-king, uses his fame and wealth not simply to enjoy the fruits of success, but to shine a light on important issues such as human rights, peace, and global justice. His actions resonate with the ancient ideal that those who are gifted with power have a moral duty to serve the greater good, just as Plato taught.

The Roman philosopher Seneca also believed that power must be wielded with virtue. In his letters to his friends, Seneca urged them to act with wisdom and to remember that wealth and influence were temporary, but the legacy of a virtuous life was eternal. Clooney’s work with organizations like Not On Our Watch and his efforts to highlight the Darfur conflict show a commitment to using his celebrity status for humanitarian purposes. Like Seneca’s teachings, Clooney’s actions remind us that the true measure of success is not how much one accumulates, but how much one contributes to the betterment of others.

Consider also the example of Alexander the Great, whose power and conquests extended far beyond the lands he ruled. But while Alexander was known for his military genius, his greatest legacy may lie in his ability to blend cultures, spreading Greek philosophy, education, and trade throughout his empire. He did not simply conquer for the sake of power; he sought to unite and to foster a culture of learning and growth. Like Alexander, Clooney uses his platform to not just entertain or gather accolades but to educate and advocate for change in the world. Both men recognized that greatness is not measured solely by what is achieved for oneself, but by the impact one leaves on others.

The lesson embedded in Macy’s words is that true coolness comes not from fame or appearance, but from the positive influence one has on the world. To be “cool,” in this sense, is to be someone who embodies not just charm or wit, but integrity and purpose. Clooney, with his global appeal, is a modern-day example of someone who has transcended mere entertainment and used his influence to advocate for those who have no voice. His commitment to making the world a better place serves as a reminder to all of us that influence—whether in small, everyday actions or large, world-changing gestures—should always be directed toward good.

In practical terms, we can all follow Clooney’s example by using whatever influence or power we have to serve others. Whether in our families, our workplaces, or our communities, we can strive to be people who use our positions, no matter how large or small, to uplift those around us. We can become mentors, activists, and advocates in our own right, amplifying the voices of those who may not have the same platform. Clooney’s legacy teaches us that true success is not about how many people know our name or how much wealth we accumulate, but about how we use our gifts to create positive change in the world.

As we reflect on Macy’s tribute to Clooney, let us ask ourselves: how can we use our own powers, whether personal or professional, to contribute to a better world? The ancients would remind us that our legacy is not written in what we take, but in what we give. Let us follow the example of those like Clooney, who choose to use their fame, wealth, and influence not for vanity, but for the service of others, and in doing so, build a legacy that transcends time and inspires future generations.