How can you own what is another's to determine?
It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.
Reputation feels self-determined, and wholly owned until you look at it closely.
One day we’re admired. The next day ignored.
Some days we’re criticised for the same things we were praised for last week — and none of it cycles on a schedule we control.
Stoicism positions reputation like a bit of passing weather. We can benefit by it some days, less so on others. The moment we try to protect it, optimise it, or depend on it, we give it power it doesn’t deserve.
Seneca’s point cuts deeper than money.
Wanting more approval works the same way as wanting more wealth: it keeps us poor in the one place that matters… our character.
Do good work. Act well. Let the noise do whatever it’s going to do.
Reputation comes and goes. Character stays put.
Stay hungry. Stay wise. Eat brekkie.
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