Sunday school don't make you cool forever.

In the eternal journey of life, Sly Stone's words, “Sunday school don't make you cool forever,” carry a powerful truth about the nature of youth, growth, and identity. These words, simple yet profound, speak to the limitations of external conformity and the fleeting nature of what we often hold dear in the early stages of life. Sunday school, a place of moral instruction and early teachings, may guide us for a time, but it does not define the depth of our being, nor does it determine the course of our life’s journey. True coolness, as Sly Stone implies, is not a result of external conditioning or external validation, but of an inner strength that is cultivated through self-understanding and experience.

In the ancient world, the philosophers often warned against the dangers of relying too heavily on external labels. Socrates taught that wisdom and true knowledge come from within, through self-examination and the pursuit of truth. The pursuit of virtue was not about adhering to the rules set by others, but about living with integrity and authenticity. Sly Stone’s words echo this ancient wisdom, suggesting that while external teachings, such as those found in Sunday school or similar institutions, might provide a foundation, it is the inner journey—shaped by personal experience and growth—that determines our true value.

Consider the example of Alexander the Great, whose early training was steeped in philosophy and military discipline. Under the tutelage of the philosopher Aristotle, Alexander learned the ways of virtue, honor, and wisdom. Yet, his true greatness was not simply in the knowledge imparted to him, but in how he applied it, how he shaped the world according to his vision. It was not the lessons of childhood alone that made him great, but his ability to evolve beyond them, to forge his own path and create his own legacy. Alexander's true greatness came from his willingness to challenge the world, not merely follow the teachings of his youth.

This lesson is particularly relevant in the lives of many who, having been shaped by institutions or childhood teachings, struggle with the limitations of those teachings as they grow older. The rite of passage from childhood to adulthood is not defined by the traditions we inherit but by the choices we make as we face the world on our own terms. Like Sly Stone suggests, the influence of Sunday school or similar childhood experiences may offer a foundation, but it is not enough to sustain us in the complex and ever-evolving world of adulthood. True wisdom comes when we begin to chart our own course, guided not by external authorities but by the insights we gain through our own struggles and self-reflection.

There is a deeper truth in Sly Stone’s words. True coolness, as he implies, is not about the approval of others or the adherence to rules set by society or institutions. It is about embracing the power of individuality, the strength to stand apart from the crowd, to live authentically, and to own your experiences. Consider the great artists, such as Picasso or Van Gogh, who defied conventional norms and were often seen as misfits in their time. They did not rely on external approval for their identity or creativity, but instead forged their own path, shaping the world through their uniqueness and vision.

The lesson here is clear: the foundations laid in childhood, whether through formal instruction like Sunday school or the lessons passed down through family, are important, but they are not the end of the story. As we grow, we must question, challenge, and expand upon what we have been taught. We must be willing to step out from the comfort of what is familiar and embrace the uncertainty of forging our own path. True coolness, in its highest form, comes not from the validation of others, but from confidence in who we are and in the choices we make to live authentically.

In our own lives, we must reflect on the lessons we have learned, but also recognize that they are not the final word. Let us honor the wisdom passed down to us, but not allow it to bind us. As we venture into the world, let us create our own legacy, not as followers of old teachings but as individuals with our own insights, passions, and dreams. Like Sly Stone, let us recognize that while the foundation of our childhood may guide us, it is the choices we make in the present that define who we truly are. True coolness, then, lies not in the rules we follow, but in our courage to embrace change, growth, and individuality as we move forward in life.