Conceptually Cool

Whichever phrase you use to represent it, the concept of cool* is an illusion. Cool is never in stasis; it’s constantly evolving along with your perception of your environment.

While you might catch someone in the street with an aesthetic you appreciate, true cool is personality. Clothes are merely a reflection of your internal visualisation of yourself, how you’d like to be seen. 

Imagine the aforementioned individual with the clothes you admire got splashed by a passing bus. What then? You probably wouldn’t gaze upon them with such fondness. Reality emerges as the illusion disperses.

Regardless of who you admire, it’s almost certainly for one reason; you see characteristics in that person you’d like reflected in yourself. Their lifestyle is likely more luxurious than yours, maybe they’re as attractive as you wish to be, but in a relative sense, they share your experiences. They’ll be slightly envious yet equally in awe of the person who has something they perceive to lack, be it material or character. 

Personally, others’ perceptions of myself used to concern me far too deeply, whether I’d care to admit it or not. Over time those anxieties have gradually waned the more I’ve considered their irrationality. People’s views are their own and a reflection of themselves. Though, I have learned that humility cannot dissipate as the aura of cool does.

For a while, a friend of mine used to refer to me as the coolest person they knew. Initially, my ego adored those words. Though, over time, the phrase’s repetition forced me to consider its meaninglessness, valid with opinion while void of any substance. To cement the point, one date, followed by a choice exchange of words later, I doubt she’ll be thinking or uttering those words in my direction again. 

Acting cool is precisely that, an act. It’s a chore to maintain over long periods if you’re sacrificing your integrity to upkeep an appearance. It’s why Rick Ruben has reached sub deity status in my eyes. His humble, present, yet reflective demeanour has been a universal conduit leading artists from every conceivable origin to seek his wisdom to elevate their musical understanding. 

By his admission, the producer can scarcely operate a mixing board. Despite Rick’s lack of physical talent, he’s cultivated a culturally empathetic mind, sympathetic to perspectives outside his own. 

Admittedly, his appearance helps his cause. How could you possibly perceive this bearded, balding, plain-clothed form as a threat? He’s merely here to share his wealth of wisdom. Remember, your attire’s just a reflection of how you’d like to be perceived. Rick presents himself arms open, emitting an aura that softly whispers to people, deciphers your connections, and appreciates each other’s distinctions. 

Humility is impossible to tarnish. How could you bruise the ego of someone who not only admits but owns their mistakes? 

*By this point, the word itself has lost meaning, but it’s a reference.