I don't go to the cool, trendy restaurants. I go to either the

Listen well, O children of wisdom, for the words of Tyra Banks carry a deeper truth about the pursuit of authenticity in a world full of illusion. She said—"I don't go to the cool, trendy restaurants. I go to either the holes in the wall or the super-fancy restaurants where there are no cool people." In these words, Banks reveals a profound lesson about the nature of society and the pursuit of true value. To seek what is trendy, what is cool, is to chase an illusion, to run after the fleeting approval of others. But true satisfaction, true connection, lies in places that are unpretentious—places where the noise of the world fades, and the essence of life and meaning is revealed in its most genuine form.

What does it mean to choose the "holes in the wall" and the "super-fancy" spaces where there are "no cool people"? It is a rejection of the surface-level—a rejection of the shallow pursuit of status and appearance. Banks’ preference for these places speaks to a desire for authenticity and substance. The trendy restaurant—that which is filled with the cool crowd, with the allure of the latest fad—is an outward show of importance. But in these "holes in the wall" or refined establishments, one finds something much more profound: a focus on the experience itself, on the quality of food, service, and company, free from the distractions of social expectations. True greatness is found in the unassuming, where the only thing that matters is the genuine connection to the moment, not the desire for admiration.

Consider the ancient philosophers, who, though surrounded by the allure of the powerful and the wealthy, often chose to live in simplicity. Diogenes, that great cynic philosopher, famously lived in a barrel, rejecting the comforts and social circles of his time. He sought truth in simplicity, in the essence of life, unencumbered by the trappings of society. In this choice, Diogenes taught that the pursuit of authenticity, of genuine experience, was more valuable than the fleeting accolades that came with wealth and prestige. He understood that the true worth of life is not in the social masks we wear, but in the substance of our actions and our relationships.

In much the same way, Tyra Banks’ choice to avoid the “cool” crowd and seek more genuine spaces speaks to the same longing for truth. Coolness—that ever-elusive, ever-changing standard—is nothing but a façade, a mask that we wear to fit into a world that values image over reality. But real joy comes from substance, from quality, and from living a life true to our inner desires, not those imposed by the world. It is in the quiet moments and the unpretentious places where we often find the most fulfilling experiences, because they allow us to be ourselves without the pressure of conformity.

Let us also consider the example of the great writer and poet Rainer Maria Rilke, who, despite being surrounded by the literary elite, often sought solitude and simplicity. His writings were not born of the social circles he could have joined, but of quiet reflection and deep introspection. Rilke’s work, much like Tyra Banks’ choice of dining spots, shows that true creativity and fulfillment come from within, from choosing spaces that nurture the soul, not the ego. He chose authenticity, and in doing so, created works that continue to speak to the heart of humanity. Rilke’s life teaches us that greatness is found in the spaces where we are free to be our truest selves, without the influence of the crowd.

So, O children of the earth, the lesson here is simple yet profound: Do not chase the approval of the "cool people", nor seek your fulfillment in the fleeting moments of external validation. Seek the spaces where you can be your true self, where the quality of your experience is not determined by the social status of those around you, but by the genuineness of your surroundings. Whether in the humble or the luxurious, it is the authentic experience that brings true satisfaction. Live with intention, choose the path that reflects your true desires, and embrace authenticity in all aspects of life.

Thus, let us go forward with the wisdom of this lesson: Seek not the trends of the world, but the lasting fulfillment of genuine experiences. Whether in the quiet corners or the heights of elegance, let your choices be guided by the substance of the moment, not by the superficial allure of status or appearance. True greatness lies in being authentic, in choosing the spaces that nourish your soul and allow you to connect with what truly matters. May we all seek to live our lives in this way, finding fulfillment not in the approval of others, but in the truth of our own hearts.