What is Cool?

TL;DR

The concept of cool has evolved over time and is influenced by culture, history, and personal attitudes.

Transcript

Hey, Vsauce Michael here, and a couple of weeks ago, Vice's new channel Noisey blind folded me, the Gregory Brothers, about 200 other people, and then bused us to a hidden skrillex show. It was cool, but what is cool? I mean, what does it mean to be cool? Cool is a judgement of taste. People who are cool are with it. They exhibit a style people wan... Read More

Key Insights

• ⌛ Coolness is subjective and varies over time and across cultures, making it difficult to define.
• 🔑 The Yoruba word "itutu" and the Italian concept of "sprezzatura" contributed to the meaning of coolness.
• 😎 Slaves and prisoners adopted an attitude of ironic detachment to rebel against authority, potentially influencing the modern concept of cool.
• 😎 The word "cool" became associated with this attitude in the 1940s and was popularized by saxophonist Lester Young.
• ❓ Coolness is often associated with being fashionable and exhibiting confidence.
• 😎 The brain's socioemotional network is more active during puberty and adolescence, making the concept of cool more significant during these stages.
• 😎 Mature brain development leads to a decreased emphasis on being cool and a focus on vocabulary.

Questions & Answers

Q: What factors contribute to someone being considered cool?

Coolness is determined by taste and style. People who exhibit a desirable aesthetic and behavior that others want to emulate are considered cool. Confidence and a sense of detachment may also play a role.

Q: How did the concept of cool originate?

The Yoruba word "itutu" and the Italian concept of "sprezzatura" both contributed to the origin of coolness. Itutu referred to physical beauty and calmness, while sprezzatura was about nonchalant behavior and ironic detachment.

Q: Can coolness be seen in artworks?

Yes, artworks like the Mona Lisa exhibit coolness through restraint and detachment. The painting's expression and the recent discovery of a related artwork suggest an attitude of looking down on others with a sense of smugness.

Q: What influenced the modern definition of cool?

The modern definition of cool may have been influenced by the rebellion against authority seen among slaves and prisoners. This attitude allowed people to distance themselves from authority without actively confronting it.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Coolness is a judgment of taste and involves exhibiting a desirable style that others want to emulate.

• The origin of cool can be traced back to West Africa in the 15th Century, with the Yoruba word "itutu" and Italian concept of "sprezzatura" contributing to its meaning.

• Coolness can be seen in artworks like the Mona Lisa, where restraint and detachment are evident.

• The modern definition of cool may have roots in rebellion against authority, particularly among slaves and prisoners.

• The word "cool" became associated with this attitude in the 1940s and was popularized by saxophonist Lester Young.