Most people are slaves to externals. Chasing fame, the excrement of doing work in the public domain you’re not supposed to be eating. Chasing and desiring so much external validation and appraise to full whole themselves, but according to Marcus Aurelius and the other stoic philosophers this is in vain, worthless, and pointless. They’re just the opinions of fallible humans just like you, why place it on a pedestal? How truly valuable is it for people to know, and hate on you if you value yourself, and own opinion over others? If you have fame, that’s nice, but don’t dwell on it or allow it to define you. Because it doesn’t.
People will do something seemingly positive for you, but people will decide to absolutely hate you for it. For example, I was nominated for a Turing Prize, and AFP Lifetime Achievement Award. I don’t know why, I made contributions to computer science with software engineering, and philanthropic endeavors — life-long commitments. But I didn’t think I deserved such attention for those deeds. Two things completely out of my control. Nonetheless I got the email notifications and posted about it on Linkedin. I got plenty of hate. Not on Linkedin, but generally.
When you’ve done well and another has benefited by it, why like a fool do you look for a third thing on top — credit for the good deed or a favor in return?” -Marcus Aurelius
Focus on making the impact, the contribution. Recognition is an external excrement completely out of your control that’s unnecessary. Marcus Aurelius wouldn’t care at all about the amount of attention he’s received for his unintentionally published writings posthumously. Fame, accolades, excessive amounts of money, sure they’re nice but should be looked at indifferently, neutrally. As they shouldn’t be vilified, but they don’t make you happy. Rather focusing on inner virtue, fulfilling one’s duty to society by contributing to its betterment, inner tranquility, and moral character. True fulfillment and contentment come from aligning one’s actions with the principles of reason and virtue. Personal recognition is nothing versus the overall betterment of society that you’ve helped create.
Seeking happiness and contentment on the basis of others acknowledging an appreciating our efforts is unreliable and can be a source of anxiety and unhealthy dependence. Hindering our ability to cultivate inner tranquility. True fulfillment can only come from within, living a virtuous life is its own reward. Seeking fame for its own sake is incredibly devoid of meaning and unfulfilling. The number of musicians gone towards a downward spiral due to their widespread renown serve as its own example, as a trap externals such as fame, and recognition can lead one to.
And don’t seek posthumous fame, what good will it be, you’ll be dead. What happens after your death you especially have control over, nor awareness, therefore only a fool seeks posthumous fame.
The good deed is enough, you don’t need a third thing on top. And if you do get it without your input, such as my example, tread such territory with indifference. And be happy to pay your taxes, in this case hate, it’s a sign you’re doing something right.
Thanks for reading
—
This post was previously published on medium.com.
***
From The Good Men Project on Medium
 |
 |
 |
 |
***
Join The Good Men Project as a Premium Member today.
All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS.
A $50 annual membership gives you an all access pass. You can be a part of every call, group, class and community.
A $25 annual membership gives you access to one class, one Social Interest group and our online communities.
A $12 annual membership gives you access to our Friday calls with the publisher, our online community.
Register New Account
Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here.
—–
Photo credit: Samuel Ramos on Unsplash
