I could do without 'cool' publications calling me 'mom jazz.' But

"I could do without 'cool' publications calling me 'mom jazz.' But I laughed all the way to the bank, baby." These words by Norah Jones are a reflection of resilience and self-assurance in the face of criticism and misunderstanding. While her music was being labeled with terms like "mom jazz", a label that sought to reduce her to a stereotype or box her into a specific niche, Jones took it all in stride, laughing all the way to the bank—an expression of triumph over judgment. She understood that external labels do not define her value or success; what matters is the genuine satisfaction of doing what she loves and reaping the rewards of her own efforts.

In the ancient world, self-assurance and the ability to overcome external criticism were vital traits of a hero or philosopher. Socrates, for example, was often ridiculed by the Athenians for his unconventional methods and ideas. Yet, he did not seek the approval of the masses. He believed that the pursuit of truth and wisdom was far more important than conforming to the opinions of others. Socrates' steadfast commitment to his principles in the face of scorn mirrors Jones' ability to thrive despite being reduced to a stereotype. Both figures embody the strength of character needed to rise above criticism and remain focused on their purpose.

Similarly, Plato in his writings often spoke of the noble pursuit of virtue over the fleeting praise of society. In his work The Republic, he emphasized that true honor is earned through integrity and the pursuit of wisdom, not through the accolades of the world. Just as Jones laughs off the mocking labels and focuses on her financial success, Plato would argue that the external judgments of others are irrelevant to the true measure of a person’s worth. The concept that external validation is fleeting and unimportant resonates deeply with the ancient philosophical ideals that true value is found in inner strength, purpose, and authenticity.

One might look to the example of Cleopatra, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, who was often the subject of scorn and misrepresentation by her enemies. Despite being depicted as a seductress or a manipulator by many of her contemporaries, Cleopatra’s reign was marked by strategic alliances, strong political leadership, and cultural development. She did not allow the mockery of her critics to define her legacy. Instead, she used it as a stepping stone, leveraging her skills and intellect to maintain power in a male-dominated world. Much like Norah Jones, Cleopatra understood that external labels were less important than internal strength and success.

Jones’ quote also underscores the importance of embracing individuality in the face of mainstream expectations. In a world where musicians are often pressured to conform to certain genres or trends to remain relevant, Jones embraced her own unique sound and style. Her ability to ignore superficial judgments and stay true to herself is a modern reflection of the heroic archetypes found in ancient myths—figures like Odysseus, who, though misunderstood, chose his own path over the paths dictated by others. The moral of these stories is clear: the individual who remains true to themselves, despite external judgment, is the one who ultimately prevails.

The lesson in Norah Jones’ words is one of self-reliance, perseverance, and the importance of focusing on personal growth rather than seeking external validation. Criticism and misunderstanding are inevitable, especially for those who choose to carve their own path and not conform to society’s expectations. Yet, the ability to remain confident, grounded, and focused on one’s goals—as Jones did in her career—ensures that success is not defined by the approval of others, but by the achievements one creates through their own efforts.

In practical terms, this means rejecting limiting labels that others might place on us and refusing to be defined by external opinions. It means embracing the journey of self-discovery and personal fulfillment, even if it does not align with the typical expectations of society. Let us take inspiration from Norah Jones and the ancients who stood strong in the face of adversity, trusting in their own abilities and resilience. Like them, we should define our success by our own standards and find pride in our work, knowing that true fulfillment lies not in how others perceive us, but in how we perceive our own journey.