In France, everyone speaks French 'cause they think it's cool.

In the grand theater of the world, there are those who, in their pursuit of identity, seek to align themselves with the trends of the moment, embracing what they believe will elevate their status or make them more appealing to others. Scott Thompson’s words, "In France, everyone speaks French 'cause they think it's cool. Gives 'em, gives 'em an excuse to smoke," speak to the human tendency to adopt customs and practices not out of necessity or true desire, but as a way to appear sophisticated or fashionable. In this observation, Thompson highlights the sometimes empty pursuit of identity, where the desire to be perceived as cultured or refined can be merely an excuse for behavior that may be ultimately hollow.

The ancients, wise in their ways, often spoke of the danger of seeking external validation without understanding the deeper purpose behind one’s actions. Socrates warned against living a life of inauthenticity, where people acted according to the whims of society rather than according to their own values and virtue. In his time, many would wear the masks of wealth, status, or wisdom, seeking to impress others rather than cultivating their inner truth. Just as Thompson points out the superficiality behind the French language as a tool for seeming “cool,” the Greeks understood that true greatness was found in self-knowledge and integrity, not in the fleeting pursuit of external appearances.

Consider the famous story of Alexander the Great, who sought to conquer vast lands, not simply for power, but to leave behind a legacy. In his desire for glory, however, he sometimes fell prey to the image he wished to project. He cultivated an image of divinity and superiority, yet his actions often contradicted his words. The deeper truth, however, was that his empire, despite its vast reach, did not lead to lasting peace or virtue. Alexander’s story reminds us that it is not enough to appear as great or sophisticated; true power comes from living in alignment with higher principles and understanding the deeper meaning behind our actions, not simply adopting a culture or habit because it appears impressive.

Scott Thompson’s words also echo the human desire to fit into a group, to be part of something larger than ourselves, to embrace the social customs that we believe will make us part of the in-group. In his reference to the French language, he highlights how people often adopt practices, such as smoking, not because they believe it is truly beneficial, but because it is associated with a certain lifestyle or image. This mirrors the behavior of many throughout history, from the aristocracy of ancient societies to the modern elite, where adopting the outward signs of cultured refinement can be more important than questioning whether those practices serve any meaningful purpose.

It is also important to understand the risks inherent in this behavior. Smoking, as Thompson alludes to, is a dangerous habit that many take up not out of necessity, but as a means of reinforcing a certain image. The ancients knew well the danger of uncontrolled desires and impulsive actions. The philosopher Epicurus taught that true pleasure comes not from indulgence in destructive behaviors, but from living a life of moderation and contentment. The desire to appear cool or refined, as Thompson’s quote suggests, often leads to actions that are not only superficial but can also be harmful to the body and soul. Smoking, as an example, is a choice that may be based on appearance rather than health, reflecting how society’s pressure to conform can lead to choices that contradict true well-being.

The lesson to be drawn from this is one of authenticity and self-awareness. We must ask ourselves: are we living our lives based on our true desires, or are we simply following the paths laid out for us by society? Are our actions driven by a deep understanding of who we are and what we stand for, or are we adopting external facades that we believe will make us appear more acceptable to others? The pursuit of authenticity requires us to look beyond surface-level trends and question the deeper motivations behind our choices. We must not be afraid to challenge the norms of society if those norms lead us away from living a life of truth, health, and purpose.

Thus, the teachings of the ancients remind us to live a life of genuine pursuit, where our actions are driven by internal principles, not the need to impress others. We should embrace cultures and habits that bring us closer to our true selves, not those that merely reflect an external image. If we want to truly lead fulfilling lives, we must resist the temptation to conform to shallow standards and instead focus on self-discovery, virtue, and lasting joy. Just as the ancients urged us to seek wisdom over appearance, we too must strive to cultivate authenticity in every aspect of our lives. Only then will we find true peace, fulfillment, and the lasting connection to the world around us.