“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.”

The quote resonates deeply with the core principles of Stoic philosophy. Unlike temporal notions of external accomplishments or social status, the Stoics believed that true nobility and virtue reside in the ongoing pursuit of virtues, wisdom, self-mastery, and an unwavering commitment to reason and ethical living.

Stoicism champions the concept of Amor Fati( “love of fate”). The main aspect of this philosophy is the understanding that the external world, including the actions and achievements of others, lies largely beyond our control. Instead, we should be focusing on the things which is within our domain — our own judgments, intentions, and actions. Epictetus, a Greek Stoic philosopher, express this idea in his Enchiridion:

“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power or our will.”

Seeking superiority over others is ultimately a pointless endeavour, fuelled by external circumstances that are passing and subject to the whims of fortune.The Stoics, therefore, advocated a radically inward-looking path. They championed continual self-examination, self-improvement, and the shedding of unhealthy external desires and aversions. Marcus Aurelius…