“Indifferent to great endeavors.”

Reference to Aristotle by Seneca, Dialogues and Essays, On Anger, 3

Ambition is everywhere. We’re told to hustle, to dream bigger, to never settle. If we don’t, then we are meaningless and have insignificant lives. That’s what society tells us. But Seneca, drawing on Stoic and Aristotelian thought, gives us a surprising new angle: be indifferent to great endeavors.

This doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means knowing why you do something, letting go of the outcome, and the possible praise or recognition. There are so many who work towards leaving a legacy that they forget to live in the present.

How do you approach ambition like a Stoic?

Aim for Virtue, Not Applause

The Stoic view on ambition is simple: pursue excellence, not recognition. Your goals should come from your values, not your ego or external motivations. Seneca warns that the more we crave greatness, the more we suffer when we don’t achieve it, and that there’s always a next level to reach.

Work With Purpose, Not Pressure

Ambition often pushes us into burnout and makes us lose sight of what is important. But a Stoic acts deliberately and with purpose. Ask yourself: Is this within my control? Is it truly necessary? The Stoic is active, but not led by externals.

Let Go of the Outcome

You can work hard without clinging to success. To approach ambition like a Stoic, commit to your effort, but release the need to impress. Do your duty, take your responsibility, keeping the community in mind, not your personal glory. The reward is inner peace, not outer praise.

❓ FAQ: How to Approach Ambition Like a Stoic

Do Stoics discourage ambition?
Not exactly. Stoics encourage meaningful action but caution against ambition driven by ego or external rewards.

How can I pursue goals without becoming obsessed?
Focus on the intention and the virtue behind the goal. Let go of things beyond your control, including outcomes and recognition.

What did Seneca think about greatness?
Seneca believed that true greatness comes from self-mastery and reason, not fame or fortune.

🔗 Want to explore more Stoic strategies? Book a free consultation with one of our Stoic Coaches or read more on the Seneca Quotes page. You can also listen to the Via Stoica podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch it on YouTube.