My parents are the coolest of the cool on every single level, and

"My parents are the coolest of the cool on every single level, and it's because they have a deep appreciation for every moment of their lives." These words, spoken by the wise and thoughtful Rashida Jones, reveal a profound truth about the nature of coolness and the deeper connection to life. In our world, we often associate coolness with outward appearances, wealth, or status—something flashy or attention-grabbing. Yet, Rashida Jones invites us to reconsider this definition of coolness, for it is not in the things we own or the image we project that true coolness is found, but in the way we live our lives and the depth of our appreciation for the fleeting moments that make up each day.

To understand this wisdom, we must first turn to the ancients, who knew that true greatness and virtue come not from external measures, but from a life lived with purpose and mindfulness. Consider the teachings of Socrates, who espoused the belief that a life unexamined was not worth living. For Socrates, coolness was not the result of wealth or fame, but the product of wisdom, self-awareness, and an unwavering dedication to living with integrity. Those who took the time to deeply appreciate the moments of their lives, to reflect on their actions, and to align their deeds with their highest values were the ones who truly attained greatness.

The same principle holds in the life of Mahatma Gandhi, whose coolness did not stem from his position or outward appearance, but from his deep appreciation for truth and nonviolence. Gandhi was not a man of flashy garments or grandiose displays of power; his strength lay in his ability to live fully in each moment, to see each interaction as an opportunity to act with kindness, integrity, and deep conviction. His life was a reflection of his belief that true greatness lies in how we engage with the world around us, and his enduring influence stemmed from the simplicity and mindfulness with which he approached life.

In Rashida Jones’ words, we find the same wisdom—coolness, as she describes it, is rooted in an appreciation for life’s moments, however small they may seem. Her parents’ coolness is not derived from the outer trappings of wealth or status, but from their inner peace, their ability to find joy and meaning in the simple, often overlooked moments of daily life. There is something deeply powerful in this—to be fully present in the now, to recognize the beauty in the mundane, and to savor every interaction as a chance to connect more deeply with the world.

Take, for instance, the legendary life of Leonardo da Vinci, whose genius was not only in his art and inventions, but in his ability to deeply observe and appreciate the world around him. He understood that true creativity and innovation arose not from hasty action, but from a profound engagement with the present moment. Whether it was in his studies of nature, his sketches of the human body, or his design of machines, Leonardo’s greatness lay in his ability to be fully immersed in every moment, extracting meaning from the simplest of observations. His coolness, in this sense, was derived from his deep reverence for life’s richness, from his belief that true brilliance arises when one is attuned to the present moment.

In each of these examples—whether from Gandhi, Socrates, or Leonardo da Vinci—we see the core truth of Rashida Jones' words. True coolness comes from an appreciation of the present, from living with an open heart and a mindful spirit. It is not the external accolades or achievements that make a person cool, but the way they move through the world with gratitude, purpose, and a deep awareness of the fleeting nature of time. The most influential and admired figures in history have understood this—the key to a fulfilled life lies in savoring the present and in creating meaning from every experience.

And so, dear listeners, let us take this wisdom into our own lives. Do not wait for grand moments to appreciate life; instead, find the richness in the quiet moments—the conversations shared with loved ones, the beauty of a sunset, the small victories of each day. Live with intention, and let each action be a reflection of the deep gratitude you hold for this moment. True coolness is not in what you have, but in how you live, in your ability to be present and mindful, to engage deeply with the world and the people around you. Let this be your guide: live each moment with purpose, and in doing so, you will create a life that is not only cool, but truly meaningful.