Let's be honest. Canada wasn't ever cool.

"Let's be honest. Canada wasn't ever cool." These words, spoken by The Weeknd, echo with a certain rawness—a reflection of the truth that coolness is often reserved for the few, for those who stand at the center of society’s gaze, who are adorned with the accolades and attention of the masses. In this simple, yet profound statement, The Weeknd touches upon a deeper notion: the essence of coolness is not something inherent to a nation or a people, but rather something shaped by the collective perception and the trends of the time. Canada, often seen as quiet, reserved, and sometimes overlooked, embodies a different kind of identity—one that is far less concerned with fleeting moments of coolness and more attuned to the strength of steadiness and authenticity.

In the age of ancient Greece, coolness was not a quality that could be sought after or manufactured; instead, it was something that emanated from virtue and wisdom. The philosophers—men like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle—were not regarded for their fashion or the trends they set, but for their ability to seek truth and to inspire others to live by higher ideals. These men, although not revered for their outward appearance or their appeal to the masses, are today hailed as figures of timeless coolness, precisely because they embodied something far more lasting than surface-level appeal: intellectual courage and the pursuit of knowledge. The greatness of these men, like the greatness of a nation, comes not from the noise of the crowd, but from the quiet depth of their convictions and actions.

Canada, in this light, stands as a modern reflection of the same values. For centuries, it was a nation known not for flashy displays or loud declarations, but for its steadfast peace, its multiculturalism, and its quiet resilience. Much like the philosophers of old, Canada’s strength has not come from trying to be the center of attention but from living out its values with humility and grace. Canada did not seek to dominate the stage of world politics, but rather carved out a place for itself as a quiet leader in humanitarianism, tolerance, and peacekeeping.

Consider the historical role of Canada in global peacekeeping efforts, where the nation, despite not being the loudest or the flashiest, has consistently been an advocate for diplomacy and human rights. In the Cold War, Canada’s role in advocating for peace and stability—often from behind the scenes—was instrumental in preventing further escalation of tensions. The country's quiet strength, grounded in its values of cooperation and understanding, serves as a reminder that true influence is not always about being “cool” in the traditional sense, but rather about being authentic, reliable, and committed to the greater good.

The Weeknd’s remark—“Canada wasn’t ever cool”—speaks to a certain self-awareness about the nature of coolness as something transient, often tied to the fickle winds of popularity and trendiness. It is a commentary on the fact that true greatness is not always recognized in the moment but is instead quietly built over time. In ancient Rome, the Stoics like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca taught that the value of one’s actions is not determined by the immediate applause or recognition, but by the internal fortitude and moral clarity with which one lives. Canada’s coolness, therefore, might not lie in the moments when the world turns its eyes upon it, but in the consistent strength it demonstrates in its policies, its people, and its values.

The lesson we can draw from this is that coolness, as defined by society, is a fleeting and superficial measure. The true strength of a nation, or indeed, a person, lies not in seeking approval or chasing trends, but in staying true to one's values, in making decisions that benefit the future, and in choosing authenticity over popularity. Canada may not have been "cool" in the eyes of the world, but it has quietly built a reputation as a nation grounded in peace, fairness, and equality. This is the real coolness—a coolness that endures beyond the whims of fashion.

So, let this be the lesson: the pursuit of external validation often distracts us from the true purpose of our actions. Whether it is in the world of nations or individuals, true greatness comes from staying grounded in what is right, authentic, and lasting. In your own life, do not seek to be seen as “cool” by the world’s standards; instead, be true to yourself and live with purpose. True coolness comes not from fame or recognition, but from having the courage to follow your values, knowing that in the end, it is these things that will endure.