I think, a lot of times, people just want to be cool, and to be

"I think, a lot of times, people just want to be cool, and to be in love is not cool. But I think it's the coolest. I think love is the coolest thing that there is." These words from Mac Miller speak to the core of humanity’s deepest desires—the desire to belong, to fit in, and to be seen as "cool" in the eyes of the world. Yet, Miller’s words suggest a counterintuitive truth: that love, often dismissed as sentimental or uncool, is in fact the most authentic and powerful force in existence. In a world where the pursuit of status or image often reigns supreme, Miller reminds us that true coolness lies not in external validation but in the deep connections we form with others. Love, with all its vulnerability, strength, and beauty, is the essence of what it means to truly live.

In the ancient world, love was often viewed as a divine force—one that could shape and transform the lives of those who embraced it. The Greeks had many words for love, each signifying a different aspect of this complex emotion: eros for passionate love, philia for friendship, and agape for selfless, unconditional love. In their eyes, love was not something to be fought against or dismissed as unimportant. Rather, it was seen as a force that could bind people together, elevate the human spirit, and even connect them to the divine. The philosopher Plato believed that love was the highest form of longing, a desire to seek something higher, something beautiful and pure, beyond the physical realm. For the ancients, love was sacred—the truest path to fulfillment and understanding.

Similarly, in Roman philosophy, the Stoics—like Seneca and Epictetus—acknowledged the importance of love but warned against being enslaved by it. They argued that true strength lay in maintaining balance and rationality, even in the face of emotion. However, their writings also reveal a deep respect for love as a natural and essential part of the human experience. Seneca spoke of love as a source of joy, reminding us that while we must be cautious of being controlled by our desires, love—when expressed wisely—was one of life’s greatest gifts. The Stoics taught that to truly be at peace, we must embrace love without attachment or fear, allowing it to be a source of growth rather than a burden.

In our modern world, Mac Miller’s words reflect a similar view: love is not something to be avoided or downplayed, but something that should be cherished and celebrated. It is the coolest thing there is because, in its purest form, love is not about appearances or approval; it is about connection, understanding, and vulnerability. It is about opening yourself to another person, letting your guard down, and allowing yourself to be truly known. In this sense, love is an act of great courage—an act of authenticity in a world often preoccupied with superficial standards. Miller’s statement calls us to redefine what it means to be cool, suggesting that true coolness lies not in distance, aloofness, or detachment, but in the ability to embrace love and all the depth it brings.

Consider the life of Pablo Neruda, the great Chilean poet who, like Miller, saw love as the greatest force in life. Neruda’s love poems are a testament to his belief that love is the truest form of expression. In his writings, love is not a fleeting or casual thing, but a powerful, transformative force that shapes the very fabric of existence. His famous work, Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair, captures both the ecstasy and the agony of love—its ability to lift us to great heights and bring us to our knees. Neruda’s work reveals that love, in all its forms, is not a weakness or an uncool sentiment, but the very essence of the human condition. It is through love that we connect, grow, and become who we are meant to be.

The lesson from both Mac Miller and Neruda is clear: the most powerful and authentic thing we can do is to love deeply, without fear or restraint. In a world that values surface-level achievements, external validation, and the coolness of detachment, we must remember that love is not only the most authentic force but also the most courageous. To love is to embrace vulnerability, to open oneself to the possibility of both joy and heartache, but always with the understanding that love enriches us in ways that nothing else can. It is the greatest gift we can give and receive in this fleeting life.

In your own life, reflect on the ways you may be holding back from love—whether in relationships, friendships, or even in your relationship with yourself. Ask yourself: am I living authentically? Am I embracing the coolness of love, or am I hiding behind walls of detachment or fear? Love is not something to be feared or avoided but something to be nurtured, cultivated, and celebrated. Let it be the greatest and most powerful force in your life, and you will find that the true coolness of existence lies in connecting with others in love, vulnerability, and truth.