I didn't want to come up with some generic Johnny Bravo type

"I didn't want to come up with some generic Johnny Bravo type name. I'm not that cool, so I might as well stick with my birth name." These words spoken by Colin Hanks reflect a deep and timeless principle—the value of authenticity. In a world where fame and celebrity often encourage artifice and exaggeration, Hanks chooses to embrace his true self, rejecting the allure of a flashy, fabricated persona. His decision to keep his birth name is not a rejection of the industry he works in, but a quiet act of resistance to the pressure to conform to an idealized image of what it means to be "cool."

In the ancient world, self-authenticity was revered as one of the highest virtues. The Greeks and Romans often sought wisdom from those who lived with integrity and who remained true to themselves, even in the face of overwhelming pressure to conform. Socrates, for example, was known not for his external wealth or appearance, but for his commitment to truth and reason, standing firm in his beliefs even when it led to his trial and eventual death. He did not craft a false persona to win favor; instead, he was unwavering in his identity and his quest for knowledge. The essence of his life was a lesson that true greatness is found in the integrity of one’s character.

Similarly, Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic emperor, wrote about the importance of remaining true to one’s principles. His meditations are filled with reflections on authenticity and self-discipline—how, despite his immense power, he sought to live a life aligned with virtue and reason, rather than the pressures of imperial expectation. Just as Colin Hanks rejects a persona that would misrepresent who he is, so too did the ancient leaders recognize that true strength lies in being authentic, in knowing who you are and remaining grounded in that identity.

The desire for a false persona is not a new phenomenon; history is full of examples of figures who adopted artificial identities to appeal to public admiration. One such example is Julius Caesar, who, despite being a brilliant military leader, was also a master of crafting his public image. His "self-fashioning"—from his written accounts of his battles to his public appearances—was designed to elevate him in the eyes of the Roman people. But Caesar’s public image was not always reflective of his true nature. He shaped his identity to meet the expectations of the public, much like a modern celebrity might. In contrast, Colin Hanks' choice to keep his name simple and genuine reflects a modern version of what the ancients valued—an adherence to personal truth and honesty.

There is great power in Hanks’ choice, for it reminds us of an important lesson—the true self is enough. In a world where it is easy to hide behind fabricated identities, Hanks’ rejection of a “Johnny Bravo” persona speaks to the importance of living without pretense. It is easy to get caught up in the chase for validation and recognition through external labels, but true contentment and respect come from the courage to be who we are, without the need for validation. Hanks embraces the simplicity of his birth name, and in doing so, he finds a profound sense of self-respect.

This lesson, then, is one that we can all carry with us: authenticity is the foundation of true greatness. In a world that often encourages us to put on masks and create images that align with what is considered "cool," we must remember that what is real is what lasts. It is not the names we adopt or the faces we put on that will define us, but the integrity with which we live our lives. The wisdom of the ancients, from Socrates to Marcus Aurelius, teaches us that true honor and respect are earned by being true to oneself, and by contributing to the world not through artifice, but through authentic action.

As you walk through your own life, consider the example set by Colin Hanks. Strive to be true to who you are, without the need for external validation. Embrace your own identity, however simple or complex it may be, and let it shine through in everything you do. Just as Hanks chose to honor his birth name, we too can honor the truth of our existence, choosing not to conform to society’s expectations, but to live in a way that is authentic, honorable, and true to our inner selves. Let us create lives that are not defined by masks, but by the strength of the character we cultivate from within.