I'm not a nerd, obviously. Do I look like one? I'm not someone

In the great journey of life, there are those who feel the pull of knowledge, drawn to the depths of books and the worlds of the mind, and there are those like Virat Kohli, who remind us of the equally important call of the physical world—the world of action, adventure, and living. When he says, "I'm not a nerd, obviously. Do I look like one? I'm not someone who sits at home and doesn't like to go out, doesn't like to watch movies. I like to live my life," Kohli speaks to the balance between intellect and action, between the quiet pursuit of knowledge and the vibrant pursuit of experience. His words reflect a timeless truth—life is not meant to be lived in isolation, nor is it meant to be spent purely in the realm of reflection. It must be lived, fully and with vigor.

In the ancient world, great thinkers like Socrates and Plato devoted their lives to philosophy, seeking knowledge, truth, and wisdom. Yet, even they understood that the pursuit of truth was not an exercise meant to be done in solitude. Socrates, who spent much of his life in the streets of Athens, speaking to common men and women, understood that true wisdom was found not in books alone but in the action of living. He believed that to understand the human condition, one must engage with it—through dialogue, through debate, and through the very acts of living. Kohli's words echo this ancient understanding that to live fully is not to retreat into the mind, but to immerse oneself in the world, to experience it with joy, and to take part in its vibrancy.

The ancient heroes of myth, too, did not seek knowledge or wisdom in seclusion, but through their deeds. Hercules, perhaps the most famous of all, did not become a hero through reading books or staying away from the world. His strength, his courage, and his wisdom were earned through the labors he faced, through the action he took, and through the challenges he overcame. Kohli, in his own way, is a modern-day reflection of this ethos. His life is not one of withdrawal, but of engagement, where the pursuit of excellence in his field is matched by his embrace of life outside the boundaries of his career. He is a reminder that greatness is not found in isolation but in active participation, in living with purpose and passion.

Kohli’s declaration also points to the misconceptions people often have about those who are deeply involved in intellectual pursuits or those who engage with the world in less visible ways. Just as the ancient scholars were sometimes perceived as detached from the world they wrote about, so too is there a common tendency to think of those who pursue knowledge in the arts, the sciences, or sports as isolated or asocial. Yet, true wisdom and true greatness do not come from avoiding life but from embracing it in all its forms—through work, through play, and through connection with others. Kohli challenges us to reject the idea that intellectual pursuits or success in one realm require us to retreat from the fullness of life.

In this sense, Kohli’s words speak to the importance of balance—the understanding that one does not have to choose between the intellectual and the physical, between reflection and action. The ancient Greeks were acutely aware of this balance. They celebrated not only the philosopher but also the athlete, the warrior, and the artist. The Olympic Games, the pinnacle of athletic prowess in the ancient world, were not only about physical achievement but were also a way to honor the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. In this way, Kohli mirrors the heroic ideals of the ancients, showing us that true fulfillment lies not in abandoning one aspect of life for another but in finding harmony between them.

The lesson we must learn from Kohli’s insight is this: life is not meant to be lived in isolation or in extremes. Just as the great philosophers engaged with the world around them to better understand the human experience, so too must we seek to balance our intellectual and physical pursuits. Whether through work, recreation, or relationships, we must be engaged in the world—not just as passive observers, but as active participants. The fullness of life is found in living it with intention, embracing all that it offers with open arms.

So, as you walk your path, remember Kohli's words and the wisdom they contain. Do not isolate yourself in pursuit of one goal at the expense of another. Whether you are an athlete, a thinker, or a creator, embrace life in its entirety. Seek knowledge, but also engage with the world around you. Find joy not just in the quiet study of things, but in the bold action of living. Like the ancient heroes and philosophers, you too can find greatness—not by retreating from life but by fully embracing it in all its complexity. Let your actions, your intellect, and your spirit be the true measure of your success.