“Away with the world’s opinion of you — it’s always unsettled and divided.”
Seneca, Letters From a Stoic, Letter XXVI
We’ve all been there, second-guessing our choices, biting our tongue, or altering our path just to avoid judgment or win approval. But as Seneca reminds us, the crowd’s opinion is unstable at best. One moment, they admire you; the next, they tear you down.
The Stoics saw this as an external influence to keep us from our path to Eudaimonia. That’s why their advice, especially Seneca’s, cuts through the noise: stop outsourcing your peace of mind to the shifting winds of other people’s thoughts.
How Stoicism Helps You Let Go of External Opinions
The stoic view on caring what others think is not about becoming indifferent to people. It’s about becoming indifferent to their judgment and learning to accept it objectively to see whether there is value or not.
Seneca’s line is not a call to arrogance but to alignment. If you’re living with integrity, you don’t need approval. And if you’re not, no applause can make up for that gap.
Chasing external validation is like building your identity on quicksand. The world’s opinion is unsettled because most people are unsettled, full of their own fears, projections, and inconsistencies. Why let that govern your actions?
Practical Reflections or Insights
- Pause before people-pleasing: Ask, “Is this aligned with my principles, or just trying to fit in?”
- Turn judgment into training: Let criticism be a moment to test your clarity, not your worth.
- Journal your motives: If you feel rattled by judgment, write down what you’re afraid of and whether that fear is rational.
Letting go of what others think is not a rejection of society. It’s a return to your own soul.
FAQ Section
What is the Stoic view on caring what others think?
Stoics believe that worrying about others’ opinions distracts us from what really matters, living with reason and virtue. We should care more about our own character than public approval.
How do Stoics deal with criticism or judgment?
They treat it as an external, not inherently good or bad, and focus on their own response. If it’s true, improve. If not, ignore.
Why is letting go of opinions so important in Stoicism?
Because it frees you to live authentically. The moment you stop chasing the crowd’s favor, you start living by principle.
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 or Apple Podcasts or watch it on YouTube.
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