In my sociology of culture class we study the concept of cool. Cool is more than just a word today. It’s an adjective, it’s an idea- it’s a way of life. To be cool means to be relaxed in even the most stressful circumstances. It’s being above society’s rules.
While the word “cool” was born in Africa and found it’s current meaning here in America, it’s a concept that is universal. Many of the same ideas can be found in religion. Jesus wanted his followers to be cool and turn the other cheek. The Dharma tells us to chill out and be happy with our lives as they are.
The heroes of our stories have been cool for centuries. They leave the life they’re content with to make things better for their village, or to right some great wrong. Stories have a lot of value- they can entertain, teach, and provide us with role models. People make the mistake though of wanting the fame and wealth the hero gets as a byproduct of saving the day, instead of learning and living their lives by the moral of the story.
Andy Warhol wrote in his book “At the times in my life when I was feeling the most gregarious and looking for bosom friendships, I couldn’t find any takers, so that exactly when I was alone was when I felt the most like not being alone. The moment I decided I’d rather be alone… that’s when I got what you might call a “following”. As soon as you stop wanting something you get it. I’ve found that to be absolutely axiomatic.” I have found this to be true as well. Time spent in the pursuit of something goes quite slow relative to the rest of your life. The things people most often desire happen to be more attainable for people with genuine attitudes of nonchalance.
Being without want is a cornerstone of what cool is about. If being cool helps you live a content, happy life, and if we are subconsciously (or perhaps instinctively) drawn to what is cool, that raises the possibility that we often times know what is best for us “deep down”, in our repressed thoughts. I think our consciousness is aware of these thoughts, but a constant effort is made to deny them. This struggle is difficult, and it explains why people who seemingly lead normal, happy lives can be deeply depressed. I think it would be greatly beneficial to people if each day included an hour of psychological assistance, to aid in recognizing these repressed feelings and acting on them.
To be cool is to be calm and at peace, is to be spiritual, is to be psychologically sound, is to be.
