--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: As social beings, it is in our…" description: "\"“As social beings, it is in our relationships that we have most opportunity to flourish. Indeed, the Stoics argued that our own self-interest, as ratio..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/65e/donald-j-robertson-32244_character_as-social-beings-it-is-in-our-relationsh_805147.jpg" --- # As social beings, it is in our relationships that we have… ![“As social beings, it is in our relationships that we have most opportunity to flourish. Indeed, the Stoics argued that our own self-interest, as rational beings, happens to coincide with the wellbeing of others. We flourish as individuals by attaining the virtues of wisdom and justice, but these…” quote by Donald J. Robertson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/65e/donald-j-robertson-32244_character_as-social-beings-it-is-in-our-relationsh_805147.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/65e/donald-j-robertson-32244_character_as-social-beings-it-is-in-our-relationsh_805147.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/65e/donald-j-robertson-32244_character_as-social-beings-it-is-in-our-relationsh_805147.jpg) > ““As social beings, it is in our relationships that we have most opportunity to flourish. Indeed, the Stoics argued that our own self-interest, as rational beings, happens to coincide with the wellbeing of others. We flourish as individuals by attaining the virtues of wisdom and justice, but these bring us into greater harmony with the rest of mankind. Animals naturally fight over external things such as food, when they are scarce. By contrast, nobody can take wisdom and virtue from us, and they are not depleted when shared with others. Stoics view the things the majority of people fight over with detachment and indifference and they can afford to love even those who are foolish and vicious.”” [Donald J. Robertson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-j-robertson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Human flourishing depends on virtuous relationships; wisdom and justice benefit both self and others, unlike material competition. **In simple terms:** Virtue shared helps everyone grow. Key Takeaway Cultivate wisdom and justice in relationships. Themes virtue relationships flourishing stoicism Mood reflective optimistic Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - teamwork - community building - conflict resolution - leadership - education Key Concepts reciprocity moral psychology social harmony Questions to Reflect On - How can you practice justice in daily interactions? - What relationships nurture your growth? A Different Perspective Stoic indifference to material disputes may overlook legitimate needs. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Nature of man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature-of-man/) [Stoicism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stoicism/) [Wisdom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wisdom/) ## Related quotes > [“In conformity with this spirit and aim of the Stoa, Epictetus begins with it and constantly returns to it as the kernel of his…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-schopenhauer/in-conformity-with-this-spirit-and-aim-of-the-stoa-epictetus-begins/) [Arthur Schopenhauer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-schopenhauer/) > [To be a virtuous person is to display, by acts of will, all or at least most of the six ubiquitous virtues: wisdom, courage,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-seligman/to-be-a-virtuous-person-is-to-display-by-acts-of-will-all-or-at-least/) [Martin Seligman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-seligman/) > [“Virtue is a form or expertise or skill, the knowledge of how to live well in every way which shapes the whole personality. 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Robertson > [“Throughout the day, practise bringing your attention back to the present moment, rather than allowing it to wander off into daydreams, rumination about the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-j-robertson/throughout-the-day-practise-bringing-your-attention-back-to-the/) [Donald J. Robertson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-j-robertson/) > [“Loving your fate and joyful acceptance Epictetus actually describes a three-stage process to his students, which relates to the discipline of desire. He begins…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-j-robertson/loving-your-fate-and-joyful-acceptance-epictetus-actually-describes-a/) [Donald J. Robertson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-j-robertson/) > [“According to the Stoics therefore a man is free if his desires are not thwarted. However, if we only desire what is within our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-j-robertson/according-to-the-stoics-therefore-a-man-is-free-if-his-desires-are/) [Donald J. 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