It's cool to have critical success because it's always nice for

In the journey of human accomplishment, there exists a tension between external validation and internal fulfillment. Zac Hanson's words, "It's cool to have critical success because it's always nice for your peers to say, 'Good job.' But who cares about them?" speak to a profound truth that resonates deeply in the hearts of those who seek meaning beyond applause and recognition. While external success, the approval of others, and accolades may bring a fleeting sense of achievement, the true essence of greatness lies not in the applause we receive from the world, but in the inner satisfaction of living in alignment with our own values and purpose.

In the ancient world, the great philosophers often cautioned against the pursuit of external validation at the cost of one’s inner integrity. Socrates, for example, famously declared that “The unexamined life is not worth living.” To Socrates, true success was found in the pursuit of wisdom and truth, not in the recognition of peers or the favor of the powerful. His life was a testament to the belief that the praise of others, while pleasant, should never overshadow the pursuit of personal and intellectual growth. This echoes Hanson’s sentiment: while it is nice to be recognized for our efforts, the true measure of our worth comes from how we live our lives in accordance with our own truths and goals.

Consider the example of Alexander the Great, a ruler whose conquests and military triumphs earned him the admiration of many, but whose vision for his empire was driven not by the desire for praise but by the belief in a greater purpose. As he expanded his empire, Alexander sought to blend the cultures of the East and West, establishing cities where diverse peoples could coexist and learn from one another. His actions were not motivated by the applause of his generals or the adoration of his subjects; rather, he was driven by a vision that transcended the need for validation. In this way, Alexander exemplified the idea that greatness is found not in the approval of others but in the courage to follow a personal and visionary path.

Similarly, in the realm of art, Michelangelo famously labored for years on his masterpieces, including the Sistine Chapel, often at great personal cost and suffering. Though his work was eventually hailed as the pinnacle of artistic achievement, Michelangelo himself was famously uninterested in the external praise he received. His true fulfillment came from his craft, from creating works that transcended the limitations of his time. Hanson’s words echo this ancient wisdom: true success is not dependent on the recognition we receive but on the satisfaction we derive from doing the work we are meant to do, in a way that feels true to our own spirit.

The lesson embedded in Hanson’s statement is a call to focus on what is truly meaningful to us, rather than chasing after external approval. There will always be critics and admirers, but it is inner peace and purpose that should guide our actions. Socrates, Alexander, and Michelangelo all understood that their journeys were not about pleasing others but about living authentically. They sought to create not to win praise, but to leave a legacy that was aligned with their deepest convictions and vision. This is the true essence of success—to be driven by an internal compass rather than by the shifting winds of others' opinions.

In our own lives, we must ask ourselves: Are we living for the approval of others, or are we living for ourselves? Hanson’s words remind us that external success—though it may come—is not the ultimate goal. The real reward lies in staying true to our own passion and purpose, in creating and striving for something that resonates deeply with our own hearts, regardless of how the world may perceive it. When we are aligned with our own purpose, we find fulfillment not in the praise of others, but in the quiet confidence that we are living authentically.

Therefore, let us move forward with courage and clarity, understanding that our worth is not defined by the applause we receive but by the integrity with which we live our lives. Like Socrates, Alexander, and Michelangelo, we must commit ourselves to the pursuit of a meaningful life, guided by our own values, passions, and vision. The world may applaud us or it may not, but the true satisfaction lies in knowing that we have lived a life true to ourselves. In this, we will find the greatness that truly matters—one that transcends the fleeting judgments of others and stands the test of time.