In Dragon Ball Z episode 121, Future Trunks makes a legendary entrance and effortlessly defeats Frieza with a single swing of his sword. King Cold taunts trunks into handing over his sword. Thinking that the sword is the reason Frieza was defeated so easily, King Cold cunningly tries to attack Future Trunks but he's way outclassed. Future Trunks says 'you should know that the weapon doesn't make the man' before finishing him off. That line was cold af.
It really does speak to a timeless truth; true skill and ability come from within, not from the tools we use. You can have all the gear and still have no idea. Whether it's a barber with the sharpest scissors or a musician with the finest instruments, the tools alone won't guarantee excellence. It's the relentless practice, fuelled by a deep passion, and the dedication to elevate one's craft to the next level that separates good from great.
Furthermore, Trunks' statement is a call to focus on self-improvement, value our personal journey of growth, and recognize that true power comes from within. It's all about personal growth. Whether you succeed or fail, you learn through experience. Each time you fail, take a moment to understand what went wrong and learn from it. This process puts you ahead of those who haven't yet faced that lesson. The most successful people have failed a million times, but if given the chance to start over with the knowledge they've gained, they'd rise to the top even stronger than before. So, whether in our careers, hobbies, or personal development, remember the real edge lies within you.