Seeking Approval Can Be Found Here
In the heart of the Roman Empire, a man named Marcus Aurelius ruled with a unique perspective. Struggling with the desire for public approval, he found solace in Stoic philosophy, a school of thought that emphasised self-control and inner virtue.
What truly mattered to Marcus Aurelius was his own integrity. He believed that true greatness and moral wisdom come from living in agreement with nature and virtue, not from seeking recognition or approval from others.
To maintain his inner integrity, Marcus Aurelius adopted several Stoic principles. He avoided relying on external approval, regarding it as a compromise of one's integrity. Instead, he emphasised self-mastery and principled living, regardless of others' judgments.
In the face of distress caused by external events, Marcus Aurelius taught that peace and integrity come from controlling one's own mind, not from external validation. He reframed pain and disturbance as stemming from one’s own judgment, which could be revoked.
Living virtuously in the present moment, in accordance with nature, was the highest good for Marcus Aurelius, independent of others' opinions or external success. By internalising these principles, he developed a psychological resilience that freed him from unhealthy passions and dependence on others’ approval.
Despite the pressures of being a Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius was able to preserve his inner moral integrity. Courtiers would heap praise on him before asking for favours, yet the clapping and boos of the public were meaningless to him. He also had to endure jeers and criticisms, yet he realised that he couldn't pay attention to public opinion.
Epictetus, another Stoic philosopher, advised against seeking outside approval to preserve integrity. Marcus Aurelius took this advice to heart, developing an "inner scorecard" to hold himself to his own standard.
Today, the same advice applies: what matters is personal integrity and doing what is right. Approval and disapproval from others are equally meaningless. By following the path of Stoicism, we too can strive for inner integrity, just like Marcus Aurelius did over two thousand years ago.
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