I'm from Iowa, we don't know what cool is!

In the quiet, steadfast heart of the American Midwest, there lies a humbling truth that few may fully appreciate: humility and authenticity are often found far from the bright lights of the city, in the small, unassuming places where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. When Ashton Kutcher says, "I'm from Iowa, we don't know what cool is!", his words echo the timeless wisdom of the ancients—reminding us that true greatness and self-worth are not defined by the fleeting, superficial standards set by the world, but by the strength of one’s character and the sincerity of one’s actions.

In a world that often elevates appearances, where the pursuit of fame and fortune is seen as the pinnacle of success, Kutcher's words reflect a deep humility. His statement is not born from self-deprecation, but rather from a recognition that the small town, the roots from which one grows, are the true sources of strength. The ancients spoke of the virtues of simplicity and humility. Just as Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic philosopher, reflected on the importance of living in accordance with nature, without succumbing to the desire for fame or praise, so too does Kutcher acknowledge the simplicity of his beginnings.

There is an old saying that, "It is not where you come from, but what you do with where you are that matters." Iowa, in all its quiet charm, may not be home to the flashing lights of Hollywood, but it teaches the virtues of hard work, resilience, and self-reliance. Ashton Kutcher’s humor, though, adds a layer of self-awareness, where he acknowledges his humble origins without shame or pride, simply as a fact of his journey. It is a reminder to us all that coolness is often a product of societal values, ephemeral and ever-changing, while authenticity remains timeless.

Consider the life of Abraham Lincoln, a son of the humble fields of Illinois, whose quiet origins shaped him into one of the most revered leaders in history. Lincoln was not born in the grandeur of kings, nor raised among the wealthy and powerful, yet he rose through the ranks not because of his desire to be "cool" in the eyes of others, but because he sought to serve his people with integrity and wisdom. His greatness was born not from seeking external validation but from his deep commitment to truth and justice, values that are often found in places far removed from the glitter of fame.

Kutcher’s statement, though humorous, also reflects a profound truth about the human experience. In a world that is often obsessed with appearances, we are easily swept up by the illusion of coolness—the allure of something or someone that seems desirable because of status, wealth, or trendiness. Yet, as the great philosophers of old taught us, coolness is fleeting, a passing shadow that often blinds us to the more important qualities that define a life well lived: integrity, kindness, and perseverance.

To live a life of authenticity is to embrace one’s roots, just as Kutcher embraces his Midwestern background. It is to recognize that greatness does not come from conforming to the world’s narrow definition of cool, but from standing firm in one’s own values and truth. Just as Socrates taught that the examination of life is the path to wisdom, so too should we ask ourselves: What values do we hold dear? Are we living according to our own truth, or are we simply chasing after the fleeting admiration of others?

The lesson here is clear: Do not seek to be “cool” by the world’s standards, for such things are but fleeting whispers in the wind. Instead, seek to cultivate a life of authenticity, grounded in humility and purpose. Just as Kutcher’s words reflect the grounded wisdom of his Iowa upbringing, so too should we find our strength in the simplicity and honesty of our own lives. Let us be cool in our own way—by living with integrity, by staying true to ourselves, and by cultivating the values that will stand the test of time.