On "cool"

[norlak]

"I don't think you understand what the word 'cool' means. Going to art museums and taking boats out on lakes is definitely not cool. Being cool is about not participating in traditionaly enjoyable experiences and creating the illusion that happiness can be found in alternate less enjoyable experiences. The degree to which other people around you try to emulate your alternative lifestyle and fail determines how cool you are. You're only as cool as people wish they were. Some parents co-opt the word 'cool' and tell their kids to persue individuality in the things that actually make them happy. 'Oh sweety, being cool is just being yourself!' That's 'happy', not 'cool'."

-Ze Frank

A website I wish I had been aware of a long time ago.