Here is a powerful call from Marcus Aurelius to self-assurance and to recognizing your own intrinsic worth {{username}}, regardless of any opinion that comes at you from the outside. He reminds you that everything that is beautiful and of true value is not dependent on criticism or even praise.
What's beautiful,
What's truly valuable is you, {{username}},
as long as your intention is good and you do your best.
“Everything that is truly beautiful,
regardless of its nature,
holds its beauty intrinsically and does not need to be praised to be seen as such.
The value or quality of something does not change because it is complimented. This applies equally to things commonly regarded as beautiful, such as material objects or works of art. If something is genuinely beautiful, it needs nothing else to prove it, just as it is with concepts like justice, truth, goodness, or modesty. None of these ideals are beautiful merely because they are praised, nor do they lose value under criticism. Does a jewel like an emerald become less valuable if no one compliments it? What about gold, ivory, purple, the lyre, the dagger, flowers, or bushes?”
Just as the beauty of an object or quality is neither diminished nor enhanced by praise or criticism, the value of a person should never be judged by external perceptions: those of your friends, your work colleagues or even your boss.
Your nature, your actions and your qualities have their own value, which should not be diminished by criticism.
What is important is how you stand by your principles and values.
You must free yourself from judgment, says Marcus Aurelius.
Do the works of nature need the criticism of humans in order to exist fully?
Then why should you? Why should your worth be tethered to the fleeting opinions of others, to their whims, their moods, their own insecurities projected onto you? You exist, fully and completely, without the need for validation. Your goodness, your effort, your integrity—they stand on their own, untouched by the applause or disdain of those around you.
Think of the sun. It does not rise because we praise it, nor does it dim because someone prefers the night. It simply shines.