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George's avatar

What about the value of one's reputation? If someone tells your neighbours you are a thief, for example, how can you not take that personally?

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Dr. Chuck Chakrapani's avatar

I agree with Jonathan’s comments. Even when you think you are justified, it just adds another layer complexity when you take things personally. Trying to control an external is counterproductive.

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Jonathan Holland's avatar

Reputation is not up to us. We can do your best to act with good character but how others perceive us is not up to us. Focus on the effort, not the outcome.

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George's avatar

So under no circumstances should your reputation be defended?

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Marc Carrasco's avatar

Maybe if it's about defending yourself against an act of injustice. But, do the Stoics require the rest to act with virtue, or do they deal only with their actions? I think that because they consider themselves social beings, they also adopt the virtuous attitude of others as "preferred".

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