In the vast landscape of human existence, amidst the cacophony of ambitions and pursuits, one timeless question persists: What is our true vocation? This inquiry transcends the realm of career paths and material success, delving into the essence of our being. Drawing inspiration from the profound wisdom of Stoic philosophy, we embark on a journey to explore the fundamental obligation that binds us all: the pursuit of virtue.
Guided by the timeless insights of Marcus Aurelius and the Stoic tradition, we unravel the significance of being a good person in a world fraught with challenges and distractions. Join us as we delve into the essence of our vocation, seeking clarity amidst the complexities of life’s journey.
“What is your vocation? To be a good person.”
—MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 11.5
What is Your Vocation?
“What is your vocation? To be a good person.” This succinct yet profound statement from Marcus Aurelius encapsulates the essence of Stoic philosophy. For the Stoics, our primary obligation in life transcends material pursuits; it is rooted in cultivating moral character. In a society often preoccupied with wealth, fame, and social status, this fundamental vocation can feel obscured by the din of modern distractions.
Being good is not a superficial aspiration; it requires an ongoing commitment to self-reflection and ethical behavior. Pursuing goodness requires a conscious effort to understand what it truly means to act with integrity. It invites us to examine our motivations: Do we act out of genuine compassion, or do we seek approval and recognition? This introspective journey challenges us to align our actions with our core values, promoting a sense of authenticity.
Recognizing our vocation as a good person becomes a guiding principle, steering us through the myriad choices we face daily. It serves as a reminder that our interactions with others—friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers—carry the weight of our moral responsibility. Each decision we make, no matter how small, contributes to our overall character. When we embody goodness daily, we create a foundation for deeper connections and a more harmonious society.
Moreover, this obligation compels us to consider the impact of our actions on others. Every interaction serves as an opportunity to either uplift or diminish those around us. For instance, a simple act of kindness can transform someone’s day, like offering a helping hand or a listening ear. Conversely, thoughtless words or indifference can inflict lasting harm. By embracing our role as good people, we foster a culture of kindness and integrity, setting an example for others to follow. The realization that our character not only shapes our lives but also influences our communities imbues our vocation with profound significance.
The Stoic Imperative
The Stoics understood that our time on this earth is finite and precious. Life, with its intricate tapestry of joys and challenges, offers us countless opportunities to exercise virtue. They posited that we have but one true obligation: to engage with the world as a force for goodness. This perspective empowers individuals to embrace their responsibilities with a sense of urgency and purpose.
When confronted with adversity, the Stoics emphasized the importance of introspection. Every challenge presents a test of character—a chance to demonstrate virtues such as resilience, patience, and compassion. For example, when faced with criticism, we can choose to respond defensively or reflect on the feedback and grow from it. The Stoic imperative compels us to act virtuously, regardless of external circumstances. This unwavering commitment to goodness not only enhances our personal integrity but also reverberates outward, influencing the lives of those around us.
Practically, embracing this imperative means consistently choosing actions that reflect our values. It involves cultivating a mindset that seeks opportunities for kindness and understanding, even in the face of difficulty. This could manifest in small ways, such as being polite in a frustrating situation or extending empathy to someone struggling. The daily practice of virtue can transform mundane interactions into moments of connection and compassion. By focusing on our obligations to others, we shift our attention away from self-centered desires and toward the greater good.
As we navigate life’s complexities, the Stoic imperative constantly reminds us of our capacity for goodness. It urges us to rise above self-interest, to consider the broader implications of our actions, and to commit to being a positive force in the world. Each choice we make has the potential to either uphold or undermine our values, and recognizing this power can inspire us to act with intention and purpose.
Excuses and Evasions
Despite the clarity of our obligation to be good, the human propensity to evade responsibility is striking. We master the art of rationalization, concocting elaborate excuses to justify our inaction. “I’m too busy,” “It’s not my problem,” or “I’ll get to it later” become convenient mantras that shield us from the discomfort of moral responsibility.
This evasion not only undermines our personal integrity but also distances us from our true vocation. It creates a gap between our intentions and actions, leading to disconnection from our values. The Stoics believed that embracing discomfort is essential for personal growth. Rather than sidestepping the call to goodness, we must confront our excuses with honesty and courage.
Each moment of hesitation becomes an opportunity for introspection: What fears or insecurities lie beneath the surface? What values are we willing to compromise in our pursuit of convenience? Examining our excuses can uncover the deeper motivations driving our choices. Excuses often stem from fear of vulnerability, rejection, or failure. Understanding these emotions allows us to confront them directly, empowering us to move beyond inaction.
By scrutinizing our evasions, we reclaim our commitment to goodness. Through this confrontation, we cultivate resilience and deepen our capacity for empathy. When we acknowledge the excuses we make, we can begin to dismantle them, creating space for more authentic and meaningful interactions. The act of overcoming our excuses not only strengthens our character but also reinforces our obligation to be good, transforming inaction into purposeful engagement with the world.
The Bill Belichick Philosophy
To quote Bill Belichick: “Do your job.” This straightforward adage transcends the realm of sports; it embodies the Stoic ethos of personal responsibility and commitment. Each of us has a unique role to play in life. Whether as a friend, parent, colleague, or community member, our obligation remains to embody goodness in our interactions.
“Doing your job” extends beyond fulfilling basic responsibilities; it encompasses pursuing excellence in moral character. It means showing up for others, being reliable, and offering support when needed. This commitment to our roles fosters a sense of accountability—not just to ourselves but to the people we interact with. It invites us to consider how our actions affect others and encourages us to strive for excellence in all that we do.
When we approach life with the intent to uplift and support others, we contribute to a more compassionate world. This proactive stance enriches our lives and fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose within our communities. By actively engaging in our roles, we cultivate relationships built on trust and respect.
Moreover, the philosophy of “doing your job” encourages accountability. It compels us to take ownership of our actions and their consequences. In a world where it is easy to shift blame or disengage, embracing this philosophy reinforces the notion that each individual plays a vital role in the collective good. By embodying this principle, we create an environment where kindness and integrity flourish, strengthening society’s fabric through shared commitment.
This idea extends to the workplace as well. In professional settings, “doing your job” can translate into meeting deadlines and fostering a supportive environment for colleagues. It means recognizing the contributions of others, offering help when necessary, and being a source of encouragement. In this way, the philosophy of personal responsibility permeates every aspect of our lives, reinforcing the notion that our obligations extend beyond ourselves.
The Ripple Effect of Goodness
Embracing our obligation to be good is not merely a personal endeavor; it has far-reaching societal implications. The ripple effect of kindness and integrity creates waves of change that transcend individual actions. No matter how small, each act of goodness possesses the potential to inspire others, fostering a culture of empathy and understanding.
Imagine a world where goodness is the default setting—individuals strive to uplift rather than undermine, support rather than critique. While this vision may seem utopian, it begins with an individual commitment to embody virtue. When we consistently align our actions with our vocation, we nurture a collective ethos encouraging others to do the same.
Humanity’s interconnectedness means that our choices resonate beyond our immediate circles. A single act of kindness can inspire a chain reaction, leading others to extend goodwill in return. For example, a person who receives a thoughtful gesture may feel compelled to pass that kindness forward, creating a domino effect of positivity. This ripple effect enhances our lives and cultivates a culture of compassion and mutual support.
Furthermore, the impact of goodness extends into larger societal structures. Communities that prioritize kindness and integrity foster environments where collaboration and trust flourish. In such settings, individuals feel empowered to contribute, knowing their efforts will be met with appreciation and support. This sense of belonging reinforces the idea that our collective obligation to be good can transform entire communities.
As we engage in this collaborative endeavor, we find strength in unity, reinforcing the belief that the obligation to be a good person is a shared mission that binds us together in our common humanity. Each time we act with kindness, we contribute to a legacy that echoes through time, shaping the world for future generations. In this way, our commitment to goodness becomes a powerful force for change, reminding us that we are all interconnected in our pursuit of a better world.
Daily Stoic Meditation: If My Vocation is to Be a Good Person, Am I Doing a Good Job?
What else is there? You can be as successful, rich, and famous as you want to be, but were you a good and kind person?
Think about what legacy you will leave. How will those around you remember you?
There is a scene in the second Spider-Man film with Tobey Maguire. Dr Otto Octavious asks him how he is doing. Peter Parker responds, “Trying to do better.”
That I think, sums up how I feel about my job of being a good person. In my heart, I don’t think I am a bad person. I don’t try to hurt people. I try to be honest and live with integrity.
It’s not always easy. Sometimes, you have to make decisions that will upset someone. The sad truth is that no matter how hard you try, you can’t always keep everyone happy.
All you can do is your best. I look back on some things and wonder if I did the right thing. Invariably, I conclude that given the circumstances and what I understood at the time, I made the right call. I don’t have regrets about a lot of things.
Conclusion
Ultimately, our existence revolves around one paramount obligation: to be a good human being. The Stoics remind us that this is not merely an aspiration but a fundamental duty. In navigating the complexities of life, let us rise above excuses and embrace the call to goodness. By doing so, we cultivate our character and contribute to the greater good, creating a legacy of compassion and integrity that endures long after we are gone.
This article is part of The Daily Stoic Meditations Series based on Ryan Holiday’s book.worthy of our utmost dedication and effort.