I have no affinity for cows. I mean, they're cool.

In the quiet hum of the world, we often find ourselves surrounded by things, beings, and symbols that carry meaning for others, yet may hold little or no significance for us personally. Doja Cat, in her light-hearted and somewhat defiant statement, says, "I have no affinity for cows. I mean, they're cool." At first glance, these words may seem simple, but they carry a deeper truth about individuality and the way we relate to the world around us. Her admission is a recognition that we need not share the same attachments or emotional connections as those around us. It is a celebration of personal preference and authenticity.

In the ancient world, philosophers and sages often spoke of the importance of self-awareness and the freedom to choose one’s path. Just as Socrates famously proclaimed that the unexamined life is not worth living, he also stressed the value of personal inquiry into the things that affect us. A person’s affinity—or lack thereof—for something, be it a cow or a philosophy, should be the result of their own internal exploration. In this sense, Doja Cat's words reflect a recognition of the personal autonomy that we all carry. She is not compelled to adopt the views, tastes, or beliefs of others, even if they hold great significance in the broader society.

Consider the story of Diogenes of Sinope, the ancient Greek philosopher who lived in a barrel and rejected the norms of society. Diogenes famously said, “I am looking for an honest man,” yet he also had no interest in conforming to societal expectations, whether in terms of wealth, social status, or even the symbolic importance of animals, possessions, or traditions. Just as Diogenes defied societal norms, Doja Cat challenges the conventional expectations about what is cool or worth caring for. She admits that while cows may be cool, they hold no deeper personal meaning for her, thus emphasizing the freedom of choice and individual taste.

Her words also reflect an important teaching found throughout history: that we must be true to our own preferences and feelings. The Buddha, in his teachings, often pointed out the importance of detachment from the attachments of the world, not because these things are inherently bad, but because they can bind us to external expectations rather than letting us live authentically. Just as Doja Cat expresses her lack of deep attachment to cows, we too must recognize that we are not bound to love or embrace things simply because others deem them important. Freedom lies in the ability to discern what aligns with our own hearts and minds, rather than adhering to what the world might demand from us.

In the realm of art, self-expression, and creativity, Doja Cat's statement can also be seen as a reflection of the artist's journey. Vincent van Gogh, for example, did not paint what others expected of him, but what he saw through his own eyes. His works were not aimed at pleasing the masses or conforming to what was popular, but rather, at expressing his inner world in a way that was deeply personal. His famous sunflowers were painted not because flowers were universally loved, but because they represented something to him—life, vibrancy, and hope. Just as Van Gogh followed his own artistic vision, Doja Cat follows her own tastes and desires, unapologetically expressing what resonates with her.

The lesson here is clear: in a world where external pressures often seek to define who we should be or what we should care about, true freedom comes when we embrace our own preferences and authenticity. Doja Cat's words remind us that we are not obligated to share the same loves, passions, or values as others. Whether it’s a passion for music, art, or even something as simple as a cow, we have the right to choose what holds meaning for us, and more importantly, to honor those choices without feeling the need to justify them.

In your own life, reflect on the things you’ve adopted simply because they were “cool” or widely accepted. Ask yourself: What do I truly care about? What resonates with me on a deeper level? What is the cow in my life—the thing that I feel pressured to embrace, even if it doesn’t hold any personal meaning for me? In this, we find the key to living authentically: to make choices that are true to who we are, unshaken by the external world. Like Doja Cat, let us find the courage to say, "I appreciate it, but it’s not for me", and let that be a declaration of freedom and self-expression.