Stoic Coffee Break
117 - Do Good of Your Own Accord
May 5, 2018
The podcast discusses the importance of doing good acts for their own sake, without seeking praise or recognition from others. It emphasizes the idea that we should do things because they are the right things to do, not for the applause of others. When we only do things to be seen by others, we give our control to them and let their opinions dictate our actions.
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Quick takeaways
- Perform good deeds without seeking praise or recognition from others.
- Doing good for its own sake brings fulfillment and satisfaction, similar to the warmth and brightness of the sun.
Deep dives
Importance of doing good works without seeking external validation
Epictetus emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds without seeking praise or recognition from others. Using the analogy of the sun, he highlights that just as the sun rises without needing applause, we should do what is right without expecting external validation. When we seek the approval of others, we become reliant on their opinions, and our actions may be driven by personal gain rather than genuine altruism. Epictetus poses the question of what would happen if everyone operated on the basis of 'what's in it for me,' highlighting the potential consequences of failing to help others simply because there is no immediate benefit or praise.
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