You stay freer when your happiness does not depend on money, status, or other people’s opinions.
01 / Meaning
Do Not Make Your Happiness Depend on Other People’s Approval
What does it mean?
In the Enchiridion, Epictetus separates what we can influence from what is not in our hands. We can guide our decisions and actions. Money, status, and other people’s behaviour are never completely under our control.
When you need approval, a certain possession, or a certain reaction, pressure grows quickly. You gain more freedom when you decide what is right and act on that decision.
02 / Practice
Put this thought into practice
Write down a current decision for which you are waiting for approval.
Mark the part that you can decide for yourself.
Put the next step for that part in your calendar.
03 / Your task
5 minutesComplete two sentences: “Other people decide …” and “Today I decide …”.
Personal growth begins with one small step.
04 / Reflection
Reflection question
Which decision would you like to stop making dependent on other people’s approval?
Let the question stay with you for a moment. An honest answer matters more than a quick one.
06
Source and context
Clear paraphrase of the Enchiridion, chapters 1 and 14
Historical note: Arrian compiled Epictetus’ teaching in the Enchiridion. Today’s thought is a clear paraphrase, not a direct quotation.
Open the referenced source: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1 and 14