Act Right, Stay Positive

Sometimes it's easy to be swayed by public sentiment and lose sight of what truly matters. The ancient philosophy of stoicism offers timeless wisdom on how to live virtuously, maintain inner peace, and stay positive even in the face of adversity or public outcry.

Living According to Nature and Virtue

Stoics believe that we should align our lives with nature or logos (universal reason). This means doing what is virtuous and right, not just what is popular or expedient. As Epictetus put it, "It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters." (Enchiridion, 1.1)

When faced with a difficult decision or situation, ask yourself: What would be the virtuous, right thing to do? Then, follow through on that action, regardless of how others may perceive it.

Duty and Right Action

Stoicism emphasizes fulfilling one's duties and performing right actions, not for external validation, but because they are inherently good. Seneca, a prominent stoic philosopher, wrote, "The happy life is the life which is in harmony with nature...and this is the only life which is subject to no hindrance." (Letters from a Stoic, 75)

Focus on doing your duty and acting rightly, rather than worrying about the outcome or public perception. Remember that your actions define you, not others' reactions to them.

Indifference to External Things

Stoics teach that we should be indifferent to external things like public opinion, wealth, or fame because these are not under our control and do not contribute to our happiness or virtue. As Marcus Aurelius wrote, "I’m constantly amazed by how easily we love ourselves above all others, yet we put more stock in the opinions of others than in our own estimation of self. . . . How much credence we give to the opinions our peers have of us and how little to our very own!" (Meditations, 12.4)

Instead of seeking external validation, cultivate inner contentment by focusing on your own virtues and actions.

Maintaining Inner Peace

When facing public outcry or adversity, stoics focus on their own actions and intentions rather than the reactions of others. As Epictetus advised, "When another person makes mistakes in living, it is not (your) business... So never try to get the better of them. Try, instead, to get the better of yourself." (Enchiridion, 48)

Rather than being drawn into conflicts or arguments, maintain your composure and focus on your own path.

Acceptance and Inner Positivity

Stoics do not advocate for a false or forced positivity. Instead, they teach acceptance of what is out of our control and finding the good in difficult situations. This doesn't mean ignoring problems but rather acknowledging them without being overwhelmed by them.

When faced with challenges, ask yourself: What can I learn from this? or How can I grow through this experience? By cultivating an attitude of acceptance and growth, you'll maintain your inner peace even when others are in uproar.

Embracing the Stoic Path

With noise and distractions, it's easy to lose our way. But by embracing stoicism's timeless wisdom, we can live virtuously, maintain inner peace, and stay positive even in the face of adversity or public outcry.

So, the next time you're faced with a challenge or unpopular decision, remember: do what's right, keep your focus inward, and trust that your actions will ultimately bring you contentment and virtue. After all, as Seneca reminded us, "The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts." (Letters from a Stoic, 11).