People expect you to be doing something cool all the time. In a

Kaia Gerber’s words, "People expect you to be doing something cool all the time. In a normal life, that's not happening!" resonate deeply in a world consumed by the constant pursuit of excitement, success, and the appearance of perfection. She touches upon a truth that is often hidden beneath the surface of our fast-paced, image-driven society: the pressure to be extraordinary is not only unrealistic, but it is also detrimental to our true sense of self. In reality, the vast majority of our lives are spent in moments of quiet, simplicity, and reflection—ordinary, unremarkable times that are often dismissed as unimportant by the world around us.

This wisdom has been echoed by many of the ancient philosophers, who understood the value of a life lived with intention, rather than one constantly chasing external validation. Socrates himself rejected the life of empty spectacle, focusing instead on the cultivation of wisdom and inner peace. He believed that true fulfillment comes not from what we do for others, but from how we understand and improve ourselves. For Socrates, the quiet moments of reflection, when one is free from the need to perform or impress, were the most important. His life was a testament to the idea that one need not be constantly engaged in dramatic action to lead a life of meaning.

Consider the story of Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor who ruled an empire and was also a Stoic philosopher. Despite his imperial power and the expectation that he would live a life of luxury and entertainment, he chose to live a life of simplicity and discipline. His meditations, written during moments of solitude, reflect his understanding that the most meaningful life is one grounded in reflection, self-mastery, and humility—not in public acclaim or the thrill of constant excitement. Even as emperor, he lived not for the applause of the crowd, but for his own inner peace. In this way, Marcus Aurelius shows us that the truly cool moments in life are not the ones spent chasing fame, but the ones spent in quiet strength and thought.

The lesson Kaia Gerber offers us is that the pursuit of “coolness”—as society defines it—is an empty quest, often divorced from true fulfillment. We are told that to be worthy of attention, we must always be engaged in something glamorous, something worthy of admiration. Yet, in the ordinary moments of our lives—the moments of stillness, of simple tasks done with care, of quiet reflection—we find true meaning. It is these moments that sustain us, that build our character, and that ultimately bring us closer to the life of purpose we seek. True coolness comes not from performing for others but from living in a way that aligns with our deepest values.

We are all familiar with the myth of constant excitement—one that tells us that life must be a series of adrenaline-filled experiences. But consider the journey of Gandhi, whose life was not one of flashy actions or constant media attention. Instead, his greatness was built upon quiet perseverance, simple yet powerful actions that demanded great courage and conviction. Gandhi’s fight for independence was not won through grand spectacles, but through the steadfast pursuit of justice, one peaceful action at a time. His life exemplifies that the most profound impact comes not from being “cool” by the world’s standards, but from the consistent application of one’s values, no matter how ordinary the tasks may seem.

The pressure to always be doing something remarkable can lead us to neglect the joy of ordinary moments—those moments when we can truly be ourselves, free from the need to prove our worth to the world. This false narrative—that we must always be "doing something cool"—keeps us distracted from the very essence of what makes us human: our ability to live authentically, without the constant need for external approval. The hero’s journey, as told in myth and history, is not about being celebrated constantly; it is about the quiet triumphs and the internal growth that come from living truthfully and with purpose.

Let us take Kaia Gerber’s lesson to heart. In a world that constantly demands we perform, let us choose to embrace the ordinary moments and find their beauty. The quiet, unassuming parts of life are where true fulfillment lies. We must be brave enough to reject the pressure to be “cool” and instead focus on the small, meaningful actions that truly define who we are. Whether in moments of work, rest, or reflection, let us live with intentionality and authenticity, knowing that the most important thing we can do is to live truthfully, regardless of the world’s expectations. True coolness comes not from the excitement of the moment, but from the quiet strength of living as we truly are.