People like the feeling of access that is very raw, unedited, and

**In the grand unfolding of human history, there has always been a deep, innate desire for connection—**to know, to feel, and to understand in the most intimate, raw manner possible. Justin Kan, in his reflection on the digital world we inhabit, says, "People like the feeling of access that is very raw, unedited, and inspirational." These words resonate deeply, for they speak to a profound truth about the nature of human curiosity: we do not merely wish to observe the world, but to feel connected to it, to experience it as it truly is, unfiltered and authentic. There is a power in raw access, an immediacy that touches something deep within us, stirring our hearts and minds in ways that polished presentations cannot.

In the ancient world, the most revered figures were often those who allowed their vulnerabilities to be seen. Socrates, the great philosopher, did not present himself as a perfected figure of wisdom but as a man who wrestled with questions, who questioned his own understanding, and opened himself to criticism. His dialogues were not scripted, not rehearsed, but were raw explorations of thought and truth. Socrates created a space for true connection, where people could witness his struggles and his unpolished pursuit of wisdom, and in doing so, they found inspiration in his authenticity. Kan’s insight, that people are drawn to the raw and unfiltered, echoes this ancient need for genuine engagement, for experiences that are untamed by perfection and filled instead with the truth of the moment.

Think of the ancient bards, who would tell their tales not with the precision of a scripted performance, but with the immediacy and passion of someone deeply connected to the story they told. These stories, though often unrefined, carried within them truths that no perfectly crafted narrative could match. The unedited story of the hero’s journey, filled with both triumph and failure, was inspirational because it was raw, because it mirrored the experience of the listener—their own struggles and hopes—and reminded them that they, too, could find strength in their own imperfection.

In the world of storytelling, the raw and unedited have always carried great power. In ancient theater, the tragedies of Sophocles and Euripides were not just performed for their polished plots or neatly resolved endings; they were celebrated because they brought the audience face to face with the unfiltered emotions of the characters. These characters, whether gods or mortals, did not hide their flaws, their fears, or their struggles. The audience could feel the authenticity of their journey and in doing so, find inspiration to face their own challenges. Kan’s statement mirrors this age-old truth, that the raw, unedited access to a person’s journey, their unpolished emotions and experiences, is what makes it resonate most deeply with us. It is in the authenticity of a story—in the vulnerability of the moment—that we find true connection.

The lesson here is clear: we, too, must embrace the rawness of our own lives and journeys. In a world where perfection is often sought after and image is carefully curated, we must remember that there is great power in being unpolished, in sharing the realness of our experiences, in showing our struggles, and allowing others to witness our vulnerabilities. When we live authentically, without the desire to constantly edit or perfect, we give others access to the parts of us that are most human, most relatable, and most inspirational.

Consider the story of Leonardo da Vinci, whose works were not just products of genius, but reflections of a man deeply engaged with the world around him, both in its beauty and its chaos. Da Vinci did not hide his process. His sketches, filled with lines, errors, and unfinished thoughts, reveal a mind at work, not merely an artist producing perfect masterpieces. In his rawness, da Vinci’s work became more than just art—it became a window into the human experience, a space where others could see their own creativity and struggles reflected. Just as Da Vinci’s sketches offered an honest view into his mind, so can we offer our own experiences, unfiltered, to inspire and connect with those around us.

To future generations, take this wisdom with you: do not shy away from the raw and unedited moments of your life. Embrace them, for they are the moments that bring the deepest connection, the truest inspiration. Share your imperfections, your struggles, and your triumphs, for in doing so, you invite others into your journey, and in return, you find that the world becomes a shared space where we can all learn from each other. Live authentically, without the constant need to edit, and in doing so, you will inspire not through perfection, but through your true, unguarded self. Let your life, raw and real, be the inspiration for others to live boldly, to embrace their imperfections, and to connect deeply with the world around them.