I don't think I appear very cool to people who observe me on the

"I don't think I appear very cool to people who observe me on the ground." – Shahid Afridi.

In these words, Shahid Afridi reflects on the disconnect between how we see ourselves and how we are perceived by others. He acknowledges that coolness, often equated with grace and ease in the eyes of observers, may not always be present in his own persona or actions. His statement highlights a deeper truth about human perception and identity—that what we consider admirable or cool may not necessarily align with how others view us from an external standpoint. Afridi's humility, expressed through this admission, serves as a poignant reminder that self-worth is not dependent on how others perceive us but on how we perceive our own actions and character.

The ancient Greeks were keenly aware of the tension between self-image and public image. Socrates, for instance, questioned the notion of external recognition in favor of internal virtue. In his view, true wisdom and coolness lie not in the opinion of others but in one’s ability to live according to virtue and principle. His pursuit was not of fame or popularity but of self-understanding and the cultivation of a well-examined life. Afridi’s statement echoes this Socratic idea—while others may view his actions from the ground and perhaps fail to see the deeper motivations or struggles behind them, the true value lies in understanding one’s inner purpose and actions, independent of external judgment.

Consider the example of Alexander the Great, whose visionary leadership and battlefield prowess made him an admired figure among his followers. Yet, those who observed him from a distance often misunderstood his actions, viewing him merely as a conqueror driven by ambition. Alexander, like Afridi, did not live to meet the expectations of external observers but was driven by his internal mission to unite the known world. His actions, though sometimes perceived as extreme, were motivated by a deeper belief in the possibility of creating a world shaped by his ideals. In a similar vein, Afridi’s self-awareness that he might not appear "cool" to others underscores the importance of living with conviction, regardless of public perception.

The Renaissance, a time when individuality and creative expression flourished, also reveals this tension between external appearance and internal purpose. Leonardo da Vinci, though revered as a genius in later years, was not always recognized during his time for his innovations, many of which seemed unconventional or ahead of their era. His coolness did not stem from the praise of others but from his unwavering commitment to exploration and innovation, regardless of how the world saw him. Much like Afridi, da Vinci’s greatness lay in his willingness to pursue his vision, not in the opinions of his peers.

Afridi’s words also speak to the theme of authenticity—the importance of being true to oneself even when one’s actions are misunderstood or not widely admired. The Stoics, especially Epictetus, emphasized that a person’s worth is defined not by the external praise they receive but by their ability to maintain integrity in the face of adversity. In his Discourses, Epictetus warned against the dangers of seeking external validation, urging instead the pursuit of inner peace and virtue. Afridi’s reflection on his own perceived lack of coolness can be seen as an acknowledgment that while society may have expectations, true coolness lies in maintaining one’s authenticity and purpose, regardless of outside judgment.

The lesson here is profound: coolness is often defined by how we remain true to ourselves rather than by how others perceive us. Whether as a sports figure, an artist, or simply in our daily lives, we must focus less on seeking the approval of others and more on cultivating internal strength and integrity. Just as the ancients recognized the importance of inner virtue, we too must realize that authenticity is far more valuable than the fickle opinions of those who observe us from afar. Success and fulfillment come not from meeting the external expectations of others, but from the courage to live in alignment with our own values and vision.

In our lives, we must strive to define ourselves by our actions and integrity, not by the fleeting judgments of those around us. Self-worth is not tied to external recognition but to the peace we find in knowing that we are living according to our true purpose. Like Afridi, we may not always appear "cool" to others, but we can take pride in being authentic, in embracing our unique journey, and in remaining steadfast in the pursuit of our own goals and values. True coolness is found in the strength of character, in courage, and in the commitment to be exactly who we are, regardless of what the world might see.