Part 6/9:
Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, reiterated the futility of trying to sway others' opinions. When confronted by an individual striving to change perceptions about his poverty, Epictetus candidly pointed out the absurdity of seeking external validation.
He emphasized that the pursuit of others' approval is inherently disempowering. The only control we possess lies in our own thoughts and actions, framing our emotional response to external circumstances as a self-governed endeavor.