I just want to do cool stuff.

In the great expanse of human history, there has always been a driving force behind the greatest achievements: the desire to create, to explore, and to do something meaningful. Rob Corddry’s simple yet profound words, “I just want to do cool stuff,” resonate with a timeless truth that speaks to the human spirit’s yearning to leave a mark on the world, to engage in the extraordinary rather than the mundane. At its core, this desire to do "cool stuff" is not just about seeking personal gratification, but about tapping into something larger, something that has always been central to the human experience: the pursuit of greatness, innovation, and joy in the work we do.

The ancient Greeks knew this well. For them, the pursuit of excellence, or arete, was at the heart of their society. Achilles, the great hero of the Iliad, sought to accomplish deeds that would not only bring him glory but would be remembered for ages. His desire to do cool stuff, to transcend the limits of the ordinary, drove him to become one of the most iconic figures in literature and myth. Similarly, Hercules, a demi-god known for his immense strength, undertook the famous Twelve Labors, each a feat that required more than mere physical prowess, but also creativity, bravery, and an unyielding pursuit of something great. Like Corddry, these figures were not content to live ordinary lives; they sought to achieve the extraordinary, to do cool stuff that would transcend their times.

The Romans, too, understood this desire for greatness, but they also understood the cost that often comes with it. The Emperor Trajan, one of Rome’s most celebrated rulers, sought to expand the empire and build monumental structures, such as the Trajan’s Column, to commemorate his military victories. Yet, Trajan’s ambition was not solely for his own glory, but for the legacy of Rome, for he understood that the greatest achievements often lie in the pursuit of something larger than oneself. Like Corddry’s quest for coolness, Trajan’s desire to do monumental things was driven by a sense of wanting to leave an impression on history, to inspire future generations. This teaches us that greatness is not always about personal gain, but about striving to impact the world in profound ways.

In the Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci, one of the greatest minds in history, embodied the pursuit of cool stuff in a way that transcended the boundaries of art, science, and invention. Da Vinci’s passion for innovation and his unrelenting curiosity led him to create works of art like the Mona Lisa, inventions like the flying machine, and detailed anatomical sketches that advanced both art and medicine. He was not content with the status quo but was driven by a vision of what could be—the kind of cool stuff that would change the course of history. Just as Corddry seeks to do cool things in his own unique way, da Vinci’s life was marked by a series of endeavors aimed at bringing the extraordinary to life.

In the modern era, we see this desire to do cool stuff reflected in the stories of visionaries and entrepreneurs. Consider Steve Jobs, whose desire to create products that changed the world led to the founding of Apple Inc. Jobs was driven by a vision of what could be, not by the comfort of the present. He wanted to build cool stuff—products that were not just functional, but beautiful, innovative, and capable of transforming how people live and work. Corddry’s words reflect this same ambition: the pursuit of creativity, innovation, and the desire to leave a lasting impact on the world, no matter how big or small the endeavor may seem.

The lesson we learn from Corddry’s quote is profound: we should not be content with simply going through the motions of life, but should instead strive to pursue greatness and creativity in everything we do. Whether it is in our careers, our relationships, or our personal endeavors, we should be driven by the desire to do something meaningful, impactful, and, yes, cool. Like the ancient heroes, the Renaissance innovators, and the modern visionaries, we too have the power to shape our own legacies through the extraordinary actions we take in the present. Doing cool stuff is not about seeking approval or fame, but about striving to bring our unique contributions into the world.

In your own life, ask yourself: What do you want to create? What cool things are waiting for you to bring them into the world? The world is full of opportunities to innovate, to create, and to make a mark. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity or conformity; instead, seek out the extraordinary, as da Vinci, Jobs, and countless others did before you. Even in the most mundane of circumstances, there is always room to bring creativity and passion into what you do. Like Corddry, let your desire to do cool stuff guide you toward a life that is rich with purpose, innovation, and joy.