We're always bombarded with images from magazines of what looks

Listen, O seekers of truth, for the words of Marilu Henner speak to the heart of the human experience, especially in this age of images, appearances, and fleeting beauty. She said—"We're always bombarded with images from magazines of what looks cool and sexy." These words carry a profound message about the illusion of perfection that the world places before us, tempting us to chase after ideals that are not rooted in truth but in a constructed reality. In every corner of our lives, we are confronted with what society deems cool, sexy, and beautiful, and in this bombardment, we lose sight of what is truly important—the essence of who we are and the true beauty that resides within.

What, then, does it mean to be "bombarded with images"? These images, O children of time, are not merely photographs or advertisements—they are symbols, representations of a world that values surface over substance, appearance over authenticity. The media, with its glossy pages and perfect portrayals, presents a vision of the world that is carefully curated, designed to make us believe that coolness and sexiness lie in perfect bodies, idealized lifestyles, and unattainable standards. Yet these ideals are but shadows, illusions that flicker in the light of our deepest desires, drawing us away from the real world and towards a false perfection that does not exist.

Consider the story of Helen of Troy, whose beauty was said to be so radiant that it launched a thousand ships, leading to the fall of a kingdom. Her beauty was admired by all, yet in her story, we see the dangers of being reduced to one’s outward appearance. Helen’s external beauty led not to peace, but to conflict, war, and destruction. In her case, the focus on what was "cool" and "sexy" led to the downfall of nations, and she became a symbol of the dangerous power of external beauty when it eclipses the deeper truths of character, wisdom, and heart. Helen’s story teaches us that beauty, when valued above all else, can lead us astray, away from the true purpose of life.

In a similar vein, Socrates—the philosopher who challenged the very foundations of the society he lived in—did not seek to conform to the ideals of his time. He did not concern himself with being cool or sexy according to the standards of his contemporaries. Instead, Socrates valued truth, knowledge, and virtue above all else. His greatness came not from his appearance, but from the depth of his thoughts, the strength of his character, and the power of his inner wisdom. Socrates teaches us that true greatness does not lie in how the world perceives us, but in the quality of our thoughts, our actions, and the integrity of our hearts.

Let us also reflect on the words of the poet Rumi, who spoke not of the beauty of the outward form, but of the beauty of the soul. Rumi’s poetry, which still resonates across the ages, calls us to look beyond the superficial and into the depths of the human spirit. The cool and sexy images of magazines are fleeting, he would remind us, but the true beauty lies within, in the way we love, in the way we seek to understand, and in the truths we live by. Rumi’s wisdom reminds us that the external world is but a shadow, while the soul, the heart, and the mind are the true places where beauty resides.

The lesson, O children of time, is clear: Do not be swayed by the images that the world bombards you with. True beauty is not found in perfection, nor in the idealized images of what is cool or sexy. The coolness that the world offers is but a fleeting moment, a vapor that vanishes in the face of substance. True beauty, true greatness, is found in the depth of character, in the wisdom of the heart, and in the authenticity of the soul. Let not the illusions of the world define you, for you are more than the image you present to others. You are the sum of your actions, your thoughts, your choices—and these are the things that will define your true coolness.

So, O seekers of wisdom, let us turn our gaze inward, seeking the beauty of the heart, the strength of the mind, and the depth of the soul. Let us remember that while the world may offer us images of perfection, we are the architects of our own beauty. Do not seek to conform to the superficial standards of the world. Instead, embrace your own uniqueness, your own authenticity, for in that lies the true beauty that endures. The world may try to define you by its images, but it is you who must define yourself, in the light of your own truth and wisdom.

Thus, let us live in the light of this wisdom, choosing not the fleeting allure of images, but the lasting beauty of authenticity, virtue, and integrity. In this way, we find a beauty far greater than any image can offer, a beauty that shines from within, untouched by the passing trends of the world. Let us walk with courage and pride, knowing that the coolest and most sexy thing we can be is our true, authentic selves.