The Discrepancy Between Grand Visions and Actual Reality

Many people start with grand visions for their lives, envisioning themselves as world explorers, successful business owners, or teachers of virtuous philosophers. However, the reality often falls short of these grand dreams. Epictetus, a stoic philosopher, also faced a teaching position that didn't align with his ideal, as he ended up teaching business students philosophy instead of serious philosophy students. This disconnect between aspirations and reality is a common experience. While stoicism teaches contentment with one's lot, it can be disheartening to end up doing something one genuinely dislikes. For example, aspiring artists may end up as investment portfolio managers, feeling like sellouts. This highlights the tension between personal fulfillment and societal expectations.