Epictetus warned that if you want to grow, you have to be willing to look foolish at times, to be misunderstood, doubted, even mocked, for doing what you think is right. The need to be liked by everyone quietly runs a lot of our choices, shrinking us to fit other people's comfort. But approval is a moving target you can never fully hit, and chasing it costs you yourself. When you decide based on your own honest judgment instead, you might lose some applause, and you gain something better: a self you can respect. You don't owe everyone your agreement. You owe yourself your integrity.

Inspired by the old idea of character over reputation. Written by Ugo Charles.