Stoic Quote of the Day
Sunday, March 08, 2026
What saith Antisthenes? Hast thou never heard?— It is a kingly thing, O Cyrus, to do well and to be evil spoken of.
—
Epictetus
In our daily lives, we often encounter situations where our good actions or intentions are misunderstood or criticized. The wisdom shared by Antisthenes and echoed by Epictetus reminds us that true greatness lies in continuing to act with integrity and virtue, even when others speak ill of us. Think of a time when you helped a colleague at work, only to hear later that some skeptics questioned your motives. Staying firm to your principles and choosing to do good despite such misunderstandings requires a kind of inner strength akin to that of a noble leader or king. It’s about understanding that the value of your actions is not diminished by others' perceptions. In a world that is quick to judge, possessing the grace to rise above criticism and remain committed to righteousness is what grants you true honor and peace of mind. It's about focusing on your own moral compass, leading by example, and finding satisfaction in doing what is right for its own sake.