When any person harms you, or speaks badly of you…
““When any person harms you, or speaks badly of you, remember that he acts or speaks from a supposition of its being his duty. Now, it is not possible that he should follow what appears right to you, but what appears so to himself. Therefore, if he judges from a wrong appearance, he is the person hurt, since he too is the person deceived. For if anyone should suppose a true proposition to be false, the proposition is not hurt, but he who is deceived about it. Setting out, then, from these principles, you will meekly bear a person who reviles you, for you will say upon every occasion, "It seemed so to him." …””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People act according to their own sense of duty; their judgments reflect their perceptions, not objective truth.
In simple terms: People judge based on their own view of duty.
Key Takeaway
Accept criticism without personal offense.
Themes
stoicism
perception
humility
Mood
reflective
calm
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- personal conflict
- workplace criticism
- family disagreements
- public defamation
Key Concepts
duty
misjudgment
selfdeception
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you differentiate between harmful intent and mistaken belief?
- What helps you stay calm when criticized?
A Different Perspective
Assumes the other party is unaware of truth, which may not hold.