I have pessimistic moments when I think I should go on a diet

In the great journey of life, where the heart and mind constantly seek meaning and validation, we often find ourselves torn between the desires of the self and the expectations of the world around us. The words of Julia Stiles—"I have pessimistic moments when I think I should go on a diet because people are paying money to see movies with exceptional-looking actresses. But being in college has helped me realize that the best thing I can do is to feel good about myself and forget about other people's standards"—speak to the eternal struggle for identity and acceptance, and the wisdom that comes when we learn to rise above the opinions of others and embrace the power of self-worth.

The ancient philosophers, in their quest to understand the nature of the self, often spoke of the need to cultivate inner strength—a strength that cannot be swayed by the external world. Socrates, in his timeless pursuit of wisdom, taught that "an unexamined life is not worth living." He spoke not only of intellectual pursuits, but of the deep, unshakable integrity of the soul. Socrates believed that true happiness came not from the approval of others, but from understanding and embracing one's own nature. In this, Stiles’ words echo the ancient wisdom that external beauty, fame, or success are but fleeting illusions if they are not grounded in a foundation of self-love and self-acceptance.

In ancient Rome, Seneca the Stoic philosopher championed the idea that contentment lies not in conforming to the world’s expectations, but in cultivating a life of virtue and peace within oneself. He wrote, "It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste much of it." Seneca believed that the true measure of a person’s life was not their appearance or how others saw them, but how they saw themselves—their ability to remain steadfast in the face of external pressures. Like Stiles, Seneca understood that the path to a fulfilled life lies not in fitting into someone else’s standards, but in learning to be at peace with the self, regardless of external circumstances.

Stiles’ reflection also brings to mind the story of Socrates’ student, Plato, whose writings on the nature of beauty in The Symposium spoke of a beauty that transcends physical form. Plato argued that true beauty lies not in the body, but in the soul and the mind. He believed that only when a person is able to look beyond the surface—beyond the fleeting allure of external appearances—can they find the deeper, eternal beauty that resides within. This teaching, passed down through the ages, calls us to remember that beauty, in its truest form, is a reflection of the soul and the spirit, and it is this beauty that we must seek to cultivate, rather than merely chasing the transient standards of the world.

In the modern age, Stiles’ personal journey resonates with the ancient pursuit of self-mastery. In a world where social media and entertainment often set unrealistic standards, Stiles’ realization in college—that the best thing she can do is to feel good about herself—becomes a powerful act of rebellion against the oppressive forces that seek to dictate who we should be. By choosing to embrace her own identity and reject the external pressures to conform, she is not only empowering herself but also offering a beacon of hope to others who may be struggling with similar feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt. In this, she follows in the footsteps of the ancient sages who understood that true power lies not in meeting the expectations of the world, but in the courage to be oneself.

The great Hippocrates, whose words on health have shaped the foundations of modern medicine, also understood that true well-being is a balance of the body, the mind, and the spirit. In his teachings, he stressed that to achieve health, one must first understand and honor the needs of the body, but also give equal importance to the mind and the soul. The health of the body, he believed, was not merely a matter of external appearance or rigid self-control, but of nurturing a harmonious relationship between all parts of the self. Stiles’ focus on self-worth and self-love echoes this ancient wisdom: the key to true beauty and vitality lies not in conformity, but in balance and acceptance of the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.

The lesson, then, is one of profound empowerment. The journey of life is not one of constantly seeking approval from others, but of learning to live authentically, to embrace the beauty that lies within, and to find peace in knowing that we are enough. Just as the great philosophers, from Socrates to Plato to Hippocrates, taught us to seek inner wisdom and virtue, so too does Stiles remind us that the path to true fulfillment lies not in meeting someone else’s standards, but in creating our own. By accepting and loving ourselves, we reclaim our power and our freedom.

In our own lives, let us take this wisdom to heart. We must look beyond the external standards that society sets before us and instead seek the truth of our own being. Let us be gentle with ourselves, recognizing that our worth is not defined by appearance or approval, but by our integrity, compassion, and the strength of our character. Just as Stiles discovered in college, we too can cultivate the confidence to live fully, without the weight of the world’s judgments upon our shoulders. May we, like the great thinkers before us, embrace our unique beauty, knowing that true happiness and strength lie in accepting and loving ourselves just as we are.