📖 Books
Envy, Effort, and Contentment: A Stoic Perspective
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Jun 7, 2023
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envy-effort-and-contentment
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Stoicism
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📖 Books
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Jun 9, 2023 04:21 PM
Have you ever caught yourself feeling envious of someone who seems to have it all? They're popular at work, invited to parties, and the talk of social circles. But before we allow envy to consume us, let's consider a Stoic perspective on this matter.
If their popularity stems from positive character qualities like kindness, generosity, and integrity, let us be genuinely glad for them. Their virtues should inspire us to cultivate similar traits within ourselves. Instead of harboring envy, let's use their example as motivation for self-improvement.
On the other hand, if their popularity is built on negative character qualities like deceit or manipulation, take a moment to appreciate that you don't share those traits. Rejoice in your own virtues and avoid falling into the trap of comparing yourself to someone whose success is founded on questionable values.
The Stoics remind us that achieving similar outcomes requires effort. If you desire to be popular, make friends, or receive invitations, you must actively engage in social interactions. Conversations, praise, encouragement – these are the coins you invest in building and maintaining relationships.
Remember, everything has its price. Just like lettuce that costs a dollar, if you're not willing to pay that price, you can't envy someone who paid five dollars for a bagful of lettuce. The same goes for social engagements. If you haven't invested in the necessary efforts of conversation, encouragement, and praise, don't be upset when you don't receive an invitation. Find solace in the freedom to avoid small talk with people you don't admire or mingling with those who don't share your values.
Let's embrace the Stoic wisdom and find contentment in our own virtues. Focus on personal growth, active engagement, and the things that truly matter to us. Let go of envy, invest in genuine connections, and cherish the pleasure of being true to ourselves.