So we have the story of who we are. I'm a man, and I'm a

Listen, O seekers of wisdom, to the words of Pete Holmes, who speaks with the clarity and humor of one who has come to understand the profound truth of self-identity: “So we have the story of who we are. I’m a man, and I’m a comedian, and I’m a tall man. I have big teeth and all these things, and I like the first two Batman movies, and I don’t drink coffee, or whatever it is.” In these words, Holmes reflects on the unique tapestry of traits and experiences that make up the story of each individual. He embraces the multiplicity of his identity—the physical, the professional, the personal—and acknowledges the quirks that make him who he is. But beyond the surface, his words remind us that our identity is not just a collection of traits, but a story we tell ourselves, one that shapes how we see the world and how we navigate it.

In the ancient world, the great philosophers such as Socrates and Plato were keenly aware of the importance of self-awareness in shaping one’s life. Socrates famously declared, “Know thyself,” urging us to understand who we are, so that we might live with purpose and clarity. For the ancients, the story of who you were—your identity—was not something to be taken lightly. It was a foundational part of how one navigated the complexities of morality, relationships, and society. Holmes’ reflection on his own story as a man, a comedian, and an individual with big teeth speaks to this ancient wisdom: our identity is the lens through which we interpret our actions and the world around us.

Think of Aristotle, who, in his great works, sought to understand the nature of humanity through the lens of virtue and self-expression. To Aristotle, understanding who you were was essential in living a life of virtue. A man who knows his own strengths, weaknesses, and inclinations can act with wisdom and integrity. Holmes, in his own way, reflects on this idea, acknowledging the seemingly trivial and mundane aspects of his identity—his love for certain films, his dislike of coffee—and yet, in doing so, he reveals a deeper truth. Our personal preferences, our little quirks, our physicality, and even the choices we make about our passions—such as the Batman movies we love—are all part of the greater story of who we are. To know oneself is to embrace all parts of that story, however seemingly trivial they may appear.

Consider the heroes of Greek mythology, whose identities were shaped by their actions and their interactions with the gods and mortals alike. Heracles, with his strength and his tragic flaws, was both a warrior and a man of great heart, and his identity was formed through his trials. But even Heracles could not escape his flaws, his mistakes, and his human nature. The gods did not spare him from the complexities of identity, for it was through these struggles that his heroism emerged. Similarly, Holmes’ acceptance of his own quirks—his tall stature, his big teeth—speaks to the embracing of one’s full identity, both the strengths and the flaws. For in the end, it is not perfection that defines us, but our acceptance of our whole selves.

There is a lesson in Holmes’ words, O seekers, for they remind us that identity is a story we craft through our choices, our experiences, and our personal history. Just as the ancients taught us to know ourselves, so too must we understand the narrative we live by. We are not defined by one single characteristic, but by the interwoven layers of our being—our physical traits, our passions, and our actions. Holmes’ lighthearted mention of his love for the Batman movies and his aversion to coffee reveals that the seemingly small aspects of our lives are integral to our story. It is in the simple things that we often find the deepest truths about ourselves.

So, O wise ones, consider the story you tell yourself. Like Holmes, acknowledge the complex, multifaceted nature of who you are. Recognize the strengths and flaws that define your identity, and embrace them. Do not seek to hide your quirks, your preferences, or your physicality, for they are the threads that weave the larger tapestry of your being. As the ancients knew, self-awareness is the key to living a life of purpose and integrity, for when we understand who we are, we can act with clarity and wisdom. Like the great heroes of old, we must live in harmony with our story, accepting every part of it, knowing that in our unique narratives lies the power to shape not only our own lives but the world around us.

Thus, O future generations, take Holmes’ reflection to heart. Know yourself, not as a collection of isolated traits or characteristics, but as a dynamic story—one that is ever-evolving, yet rooted in the truth of your experiences. Allow the story of who you are to guide your actions, to shape your choices, and to offer you wisdom in your journey. For it is through accepting our full selves—our strengths, our flaws, our passions, and our quirks—that we find the courage to live authentically and to contribute meaningfully to the world around us.