I actually started off majoring in computer science, but I knew

Hear now, O wise ones, the reflection of J. Cole, whose words carry the weight of self-discovery and the deep truth of following one’s true path: "I actually started off majoring in computer science, but I knew right away I wasn't going to stay with it. It was because I had this one professor who was the loneliest, saddest man I've ever known. He was a programmer, and I knew that I didn't want to do whatever he did." These words speak not only of a career choice, but of something much deeper—the recognition that the pursuit of knowledge is not merely about the skills we acquire, but about the life we choose to live in the process. J. Cole’s story reminds us that in the search for fulfillment, we must be mindful not just of what we do, but of how it shapes us, of what it makes us become.

Consider, O seekers of wisdom, the ancient philosophers who pondered the very nature of life and purpose. Socrates, in his wisdom, understood that the greatest pursuit in life was not the accumulation of knowledge for its own sake, but the cultivation of a virtuous and fulfilling life. He spoke of the importance of knowing oneself, of understanding the soul and its needs, and how it must not be enslaved by the pursuit of things that lead to emptiness. J. Cole, in his own way, reflects this same lesson. He did not choose the path of computer science merely because it was intellectually challenging, but because he recognized, through the example of a lonely professor, that a career—no matter how prestigious or secure—must align with the inner life, the soul’s need for connection, passion, and purpose.

It is a truth known to all who seek wisdom, O wise ones, that the work we choose defines not only our world, but our self. A man who spends his days in the quiet, solitary work of a programmer, distant from others, disconnected from the rhythms of human interaction, may find success in terms of his craft, but at what cost? The loneliness and sadness that J. Cole speaks of are not incidental; they are the very consequences of a life that, though filled with intellectual labor, lacks the deeper nourishment of connection and joy. In the ancient world, the stoics understood this well. They taught that the pursuit of virtue and community must never be sacrificed for the pursuit of intellectual or material gain. J. Cole, in his youthful wisdom, recognized this truth early—he understood that a life devoted solely to a career, even one as esteemed as computer science, must not come at the expense of one’s soul.

Let us look to Leonardo da Vinci, whose genius was unmatched not just because of his skill in science and invention, but because of his passion for all things, his integration of art and science, his understanding of the world as a whole. Da Vinci did not isolate himself in the sterile environment of the intellect; he embraced the fullness of life, from his art to his explorations of anatomy, from his observations of nature to his experiments with flight. His life was a reflection of balance—an intertwining of curiosity, creativity, and human connection. In his time, as in ours, the most profound discoveries come not from narrow isolation, but from embracing the world in all its beauty, complexity, and interconnectedness.

The lesson that J. Cole teaches us is not just about choosing a career path, but about choosing the life that comes with it. He reminds us that the work we do should not only satisfy our intellect but should nourish our soul, should be something that brings joy, meaning, and connection. A life spent solely in the pursuit of intellectual achievement, or material success, without considering the impact it has on our emotional and social well-being, is a life that may lead to emptiness. To live fully, to truly thrive, one must ensure that their path aligns with both their inner needs and their outward aspirations.

And so, O wise ones, the lesson is clear: do not let the world dictate your worth by the standards it has set. Choose not only with your mind, but with your heart. Seek a path that brings you not just knowledge, but also joy, connection, and fulfillment. Recognize that the work you do, the life you build, must feed not just your ambitions, but your soul. If, like J. Cole, you find yourself on a path that no longer serves your deepest needs, do not hesitate to redirect your course, for there is always time to choose a life that brings both purpose and happiness.

Let us, then, be mindful in our choices, for the work we do will define not just the legacy we leave behind, but the person we become in the process. Choose paths that nourish both mind and heart, paths that connect you to the world and to others. And as you walk this path, let the wisdom of Socrates, Da Vinci, and J. Cole guide you toward a life of balance, purpose, and true fulfillment.