Epictetus

 （circa 50 AD – circa 135 AD)

was a Greek Stoic philosopher from the Roman era. Born into slavery, he later gained his freedom and devoted himself to teaching philosophy. His teachings emphasized self-control and inner freedom.

Explanation

This quote from Epictetus highlights the importance of maintaining a virtuous life, regardless of how others perceive or judge us. At the core of Stoic philosophy lies the pursuit of inner virtue, unaffected by external circumstances. Epictetus taught that we can only control our own will and actions, while the opinions or judgments of others are beyond our control. His words encourage us to focus on doing good, without being swayed by external validation or criticism.

Furthermore, this quote emphasizes the value of maintaining one's internal sense of worth, fostering the strength to remain unaffected by both praise and blame from others. This teaching is not only relevant in modern self-development and mental health but also serves as a guiding principle for those seeking to live authentically, undeterred by external influences.