Last week, we had the incredible opportunity to visit Pompeii—a city frozen in time. Walking through its ancient streets felt like stepping into a time capsule, revealing a civilization that existed nearly 2,000 years ago. Once a bustling Roman city, Pompeii was buried under volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. It lay hidden for centuries until its rediscovery in 1748. Since then, archaeologists have been carefully uncovering its secrets, and remarkably, only about two-thirds of the city has been excavated. There’s still so much left beneath the surface, waiting to tell its story.
What surprised us most wasn't just the intricate mosaics or the advanced engineering but how modern Pompeii felt. The city had storefronts, public baths, and even fast-food-style restaurants called thermopolia, where locals could grab a quick bite. It was clear: this was an advanced society, thriving in art, commerce, and innovation.
But as we explored further, a question kept nagging at us: How much have we really changed since then?
2,000 Years Later—Are We Any Different?
In Pompeii, wealth and social status were everything. The size of your house, the quality of your marble floors, the art on your walls, even the breed of your guard dog—it all sent a message about your place in society. People wanted to be seen, admired, and envied. Sound familiar?
Today, the currency of clout might be different—luxury cars, designer clothes, the latest gadgets—but the game remains the same. We still measure success by what we own, not who we are. It’s as if, despite centuries of technological advancement, humanity’s deeper struggles remain untouched.
Can You Buy Happiness?
At Surf Skate Science, we’re lucky to connect with some of the world’s top skaters and surfers—athletes who’ve reached the pinnacle of success, sometimes earning millions along the way. Yet, when you talk to them, the happiest ones aren’t the richest. They’re the ones who love what they do, feel connected to their community, and live with purpose.
Money can buy comfort, but it can’t buy contentment. It can buy followers, but not true friendships. It can buy a house, but not a home. Even in ancient Pompeii, the wealthiest citizens couldn’t escape the eruption that equalized everyone in an instant.
Building Character, Not Just Bank Accounts
So, if history teaches us anything, it’s this: material possessions are temporary, but character lasts. As we walked through the streets of Pompeii, we were discovering what really matters by examining the past of Pompeii. So what does this have to do with Surf Skate Science?
At Surf Skate Science, we believe true success comes from developing the traits that build a life of joy and fulfillment:
Resilience: Life, like skating or surfing, will throw wipeouts your way. Learning to get back up builds strength no paycheck can provide.
Creativity: Seeing possibilities where others see obstacles brings satisfaction that no designer label can match.
Empathy: Understanding and connecting with others creates a richer life than any material possession.
Purpose: Working toward something meaningful fills a space money can’t touch.
Gratitude: When you appreciate what you already have, you stop chasing what you don’t need.
The Challenge: What Really Fills Your Cup?
We’re challenging our students—and ourselves—to rethink success. Instead of asking, “What do I want to own?” ask:
What kind of person do I want to be?
What impact do I want to have on the world?
What moments, not things, will I remember most?
Skateboards will wear down. Sneakers will go out of style. Even the biggest house will someday belong to someone else. But character? That’s yours forever.
Pompeii reminds us that civilizations rise and fall, but the legacy of how we live remains. So, let’s build a future defined not by what we own but by who we become. After all, history shows us that clout fades, but character stands the test of time.
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