that it is not men's acts which disturb us, for those acts…
““that it is not men's acts which disturb us, for those acts have their foundation in men's ruling principles, but it is our own opinions which disturb us. Take away these opinions then, and resolve to dismiss thy judgement about an act as if it were something grievous, and thy anger is gone. How then shall I take away these opinions? By reflecting that no wrongful act of another brings shame on thee: for unless that which is shameful is alone bad, thou also must of necessity do many things wrong, and become a robber and everything else. Eighth,””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Our distress comes from judgments, not events; by changing our opinions we can free ourselves from anger and shame.
In simple terms: Distress is caused by our judgments, not by actions themselves.
Key Takeaway
Change your judgments to end emotional disturbance.
Themes
philosophy
stoicism
self‑control
emotions
Mood
reflective
calm
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
self‑help
advice
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- personal growth
- stress management
- leadership decisions
Key Concepts
Stoic ethics
cognitive reframing
personal responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What judgments cause you the most turmoil?
- How can you practice seeing events without immediate evaluation?
A Different Perspective
If underlying beliefs are deeply ingrained, merely reflecting may not suffice; deeper work may be needed.