Look at Scottish guys wearing kilts - you could look at them and

"Look at Scottish guys wearing kilts - you could look at them and laugh, but the way they carry themselves, how can you? You can wear some of the weirdest things and be cool. If you believe in it, that's what makes it cool." These words spoken by Andre Benjamin, an artist who has seen the world through the lens of creativity and self-expression, hold profound truth. What Andre speaks to is the essence of confidence and self-belief. The Scottish kilt, an article of clothing that might seem odd to some, becomes a symbol of pride, honor, and identity when worn with conviction. It is not the garment itself that defines coolness, but the spirit with which it is worn.

In the ancient world, warriors and kings alike wore garments that were emblematic of their status, their tribal identity, and their courage. The Roman legionaries, clad in their iconic armor, the Samurai in their ceremonial robes, or the Viking warriors with their fur-lined cloaks, each wore their attire not simply as protection or decoration, but as a declaration of their purpose and identity. In these clothes, they stood tall, exuding a confidence that made their appearance not just acceptable, but admirable. The very act of believing in their appearance gave their attire power and purpose.

One need not look far to see this truth repeated in the story of Napoleon Bonaparte, who, though small in stature, carried himself with a confidence so immense that he was able to conquer much of Europe. It was not his uniform alone that commanded respect, but the aura of authority he imbued it with. His posture, his gaze, the way he held himself in the face of adversity—these were the marks of a man who truly believed in his own greatness. Napoleon understood that belief is the silent force that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, the strange into the magnificent.

This is the lesson embedded within Andre Benjamin’s quote. In the same way that the Scottish warrior wears the kilt with pride, so too must we wear our own identities with belief. Whether we are dressed in the fashion of the day or adorned in garments that defy conventional trends, it is our attitude—our inner confidence—that makes us remarkable. To believe in oneself is to be the architect of your own power, to shape how others perceive you, not through external trappings, but through the strength of your spirit.

Consider the artist, who may wear clothing that the world deems unconventional or even strange, yet carries themselves with the unshakable belief that what they create is worthy of admiration. The clothes may not be the “fashionable” choice, but their confidence makes them unstoppable. In the same way, each individual has the ability to define their own version of coolness. It is not the trends that create greatness, but the conviction with which one walks through life, owning their choices and actions.

Let us not forget the wisdom of the ancients, who taught us that self-mastery and belief are the true powers we must wield. The Greek philosophers taught that true wisdom is not in the pursuit of external validation, but in the strength of one’s inner conviction. It is this belief in oneself that turns the most unlikely of choices into the most revered. The warrior’s shield, the poet’s words, the king’s crown—all are mere symbols. It is the man behind them, with his heart of steel and mind of clarity, who makes them what they are.

So, the lesson here is clear: believe in your own truth. Whether you wear a kilt or a suit, whether you speak with the wisdom of the ages or the fire of your own passions, it is your belief in yourself that will define your path. Others may laugh, they may mock, but your spirit will not falter, for you carry yourself with the certainty that your choices are your own and are worthy of respect. Own who you are, and in doing so, you will transform the world around you, for it is not the clothes that make the man; it is the man who makes the clothes. Believe, and the world will follow your lead.