I shaved my head about 15 years ago and the first time I shaved

Vin Diesel, a man of strength on the screen yet honesty in his words, once confessed with surprising depth: “I shaved my head about 15 years ago and the first time I shaved it, I started running my hand through my hair and it was very therapeutic.” Though it may sound simple, even humorous, this reflection holds a wisdom far greater than appearances. It is about the liberation of shedding, the peace found in transformation, and the unexpected healing that comes when one embraces change.

The meaning of his words lies in the act of release. Hair, for many, is a symbol of vanity, of identity, even of fear—fear of aging, fear of change, fear of how one is seen by the world. To take a razor and remove it all is more than grooming; it is a declaration of freedom. Vin Diesel describes this first moment of touching his bare scalp not as loss, but as therapy—a soothing and empowering gesture. In that touch, he discovered peace in simplicity, the relief of letting go, and the strength that comes when one no longer clings to the old self.

The origin of this truth lies not only in Diesel’s personal story, but in the long traditions of human culture. Monks have shaved their heads for centuries as a sign of humility, discipline, and detachment from vanity. Warriors in ancient times cut or burned their hair as a rite of passage, a symbol that they were leaving behind one life and entering another. In each case, the act of shaving one’s head was not about loss, but about transformation—a ritual that strips away the unnecessary and reveals the essence of the self.

History offers us luminous examples. Consider Mahatma Gandhi, who lived with his head shaven and his body clothed simply in homespun cloth. He rejected adornment, choosing instead to embrace simplicity as a form of inner power. Or recall the Spartan warriors, who before battle often cut their hair short, a symbol of readiness and discipline. In both the saint and the soldier, the act of shedding hair was not trivial—it was deeply tied to clarity, courage, and freedom. Vin Diesel’s words, though framed in the language of personal experience, carry echoes of these ancient truths.

The lesson for us is this: do not fear the shedding of what you once thought essential. What seems like loss may in fact become healing. Whether it is the cutting of hair, the leaving behind of possessions, or the breaking of old habits, each act of release can bring unexpected peace. What Diesel found with his hand upon his bare scalp is a truth for us all—when we let go, we discover a new sense of self, lighter, freer, and unburdened.

Practical wisdom flows from this teaching. Look into your own life and ask: what am I clinging to out of fear or vanity? What might I release to find clarity? It may not be hair—it may be possessions, grudges, titles, or habits. Whatever it is, dare to let it go, and notice how the spirit feels lighter, calmer, more at peace. For often, the things we believe define us only weigh us down. Liberation lies not in accumulation, but in release.

Thus Vin Diesel’s seemingly simple reflection becomes an eternal teaching. “It was very therapeutic,” he said, and in those words lies the lesson that healing is not always found in grand victories, but sometimes in small, intentional acts of letting go. Remember this: when you release what no longer serves you, you do not become less—you become more. And like the warrior, like the monk, like the actor himself, you may find that beneath the layers you shed lies the truest version of yourself.