When someone is properly grounded in life, they shouldn't have to look outside themselves for approval. - Epictetus

understand that every event is indifferent and nothing to you, of whatever sort it may be; for it will be in your power to make a right use of it, and this no one can hinder.

For what else is tragedy than the portrayal in tragic verse of the sufferings of men who have attached high value to external things? [27]

If you want to make progress, put up with being perceived as ignorant or naive in worldly matters, don't aspire to a reputation for sagacity. If you do impress others as somebody, don't altogether believe it. You have to realize, it isn't easy to keep your will in agreement with nature, as well as externals. Caring about the one inevitably means you are going to shortchange the other.