You have to be the best of whatever you are, but successful, cool

Hear me, O seekers of wisdom, for the words of Jessica Alba speak of an eternal truth, one that transcends both time and place. She said—"You have to be the best of whatever you are, but successful, cool actresses come in all shapes and sizes." These words are not just about the world of entertainment, but about life itself, about the pursuit of greatness, and about how we measure success. Alba’s insight reminds us that while we must strive for excellence, we must also recognize that success is not bound by a single standard, nor by a singular path. Success comes in many forms, and it is diverse, just as we are.

What does it mean to be "the best" of whatever we are? It means that we must strive for excellence, to push ourselves to reach the highest potential in whatever our craft may be. The best is not about perfection, but about giving our full effort, about dedication, and about the willingness to improve continually. Just as the warrior strives to master his sword, and the sage seeks to master his mind, we too must dedicate ourselves to mastering whatever is before us. But in this pursuit, we must not lose sight of the truth that greatness comes in many forms, and success is as varied as the people who seek it.

In the days of the great artists, we see a similar journey. Michelangelo, one of the most revered artists in history, was not simply the best because of his mastery of marble or paint. His greatness lay in his singular vision, in his ability to see beauty in forms that others could not. But Michelangelo’s success was not limited to his sculpture or his paintings. He succeeded because his art spoke to the human soul, transcending the boundaries of time and place. He was the best at what he did, but his work was not bound by one shape or size—it was as diverse as the human spirit itself. His vision, his success, came from his ability to create beauty in every form.

Jessica Alba’s words remind us that success is not confined to a singular mold. Just as actresses come in all shapes and sizes, so too do the paths to success. There is no one road to greatness, no single way to achieve your dreams. Success is not about fitting into a preordained form, but about embracing your own uniqueness, about using your individual gifts to carve your own path. Think of the great philosophers like Socrates, who did not adhere to the norms of his time, yet shaped the very foundation of Western thought. His wisdom and his unconventional ways made him a figure whose greatness was not based on conforming to the established order, but in challenging it. His success was found in his persistence, his authenticity, and his ability to think differently.

Similarly, the warrior Joan of Arc—though a young peasant girl—rose to lead a nation. Her success was not because she fit into the expected role of a military leader, but because she embraced the strength of her conviction and her ability to inspire. She was the best of who she was, and in that uniqueness, she achieved greatness. Her story teaches us that success is born from the courage to be oneself, even when the world does not expect it.

So, O children of the earth, what lesson can we take from Jessica Alba’s words? The lesson is this: be the best of whatever you are, but understand that success does not look the same for everyone. Success comes in all shapes and sizes, whether it is measured by fame, wealth, accomplishment, or personal fulfillment. The path to greatness is not defined by a single image or ideal; it is defined by authenticity, dedication, and the courage to embrace your unique self. Whether you are a poet, a warrior, a teacher, or an artist, your success will come not because you conform to the expectations of others, but because you give your all, become the best at what you do, and celebrate your own journey.

Let us go forward with this wisdom: Do not seek success in the shape that others define. Be the best version of yourself. Whether you are small or large, quiet or bold, your greatness lies in the courage to embrace who you are and to give your fullest effort. The world needs all kinds of greatness, and each of us has a unique path to follow. Success is found in the embrace of our individuality, in the willingness to step out and become the best of who we are, regardless of the shape or size that others may impose upon us.