The worst thing I could be thinking is how could I be a cool bass

In the world of art and expression, where the soul pours forth its energy into every note and brushstroke, the words of Mike Gordon resonate with deep truth: “The worst thing I could be thinking is how could I be a cool bass player.” With these words, Gordon acknowledges the trap of self-consciousness—the tendency to become so fixated on how others perceive us that we lose touch with the very essence of what we are trying to create. In this simple statement, he reveals the folly of focusing on being "cool," as if that alone is the measure of worth. True art, whether in music, painting, or any other form, is not about impressing others with performance but about authenticity and the expression of the inner self.

The ancient philosophers often spoke of the dangers of vanity and self-obsession, warning that to live for the admiration of others is to live a life that is empty and unfulfilled. Socrates, the great Greek philosopher, taught that the true measure of a person lies not in their outward appearance or the opinions of others but in their inner virtue. He famously said, "The unexamined life is not worth living," emphasizing that we must focus on the depth of our character rather than the surface of our actions. Gordon’s words echo this ancient wisdom, reminding us that art and creation are about expression, not about fitting into preconceived molds of what is “cool” or impressive.

Consider the life of Michelangelo, the master sculptor and painter who created works of profound beauty that continue to shape our world. Michelangelo, known for his intense focus and devotion to his craft, was not concerned with appearing "cool" in the eyes of others. He worked tirelessly, often in solitude, to perfect his creations, driven by a passion for art and truth. His David, his Sistine Chapel, and his other masterpieces were not born from a desire to impress but from a deep inner calling to create something that was meaningful and eternal. If Michelangelo had concerned himself with how he was perceived, his work would not have the profound depth that it does. In this, he exemplifies the very spirit of Gordon’s insight: true greatness is found not in seeking external validation but in the authentic pursuit of one’s craft.

Similarly, Vincenzo Bellini, an opera composer whose works would shape the course of classical music, was known not for his conformity to trends, but for his unique voice and emotionally rich compositions. Bellini focused on expressing the human soul through music, undistracted by the quest to be seen as "cool" or fashionable in his time. His melodies, full of grace and sorrow, moved audiences not because they conformed to any trendy ideal but because they conveyed the true depth of human emotion. Like Bellini, Gordon warns against letting external expectations or the desire to be seen as “cool” dictate our approach to creation.

The lesson in Mike Gordon’s words is one of profound freedom—the freedom to create without the chains of self-consciousness and comparison. When we focus on being “cool,” we are no longer engaged in the act of creation but are instead performing for an imagined audience, seeking approval that ultimately distracts us from our true purpose. This is the danger of vanity: it pulls us away from the authenticity and joy of creation and places our worth in the opinions of others. By letting go of the need to be "cool" or admired, we return to the true art of creation, where every note, every stroke, and every word is born from an authentic place within us.

In our own lives, we must take this lesson to heart. Whether in our work, our relationships, or our creative endeavors, we must not fall into the trap of comparison or performing for the approval of others. True freedom lies in being ourselves—in focusing on what we can offer the world, not on how we are perceived. Like Socrates, Michelangelo, and Gordon, we must strive to create, to love, and to live with integrity, free from the distractions of external judgment. The path to greatness lies not in how we are seen by others, but in the authenticity with which we engage with the world.

Let us embrace the idea that to be truly cool—in the truest sense of the word—is to be authentically ourselves, to create with purpose and passion, and to seek only the approval of our own hearts. When we focus on our inner truth rather than how we are perceived, we free ourselves to create something that is lasting, meaningful, and truly beautiful. Let go of the burden of being “cool” and step into the freedom of being real, knowing that in doing so, we not only create art but live a life that is full of depth and meaning.