"Cuanto más tiene un hombre en sí mismo, menos querrá de otras personas, menos, de hecho, podrán ser otras personas para él."

The core idea here is about self-sufficiency and inner fulfillment. It’s saying that when you, or anyone, develop a rich inner life—full of your own thoughts, interests, and passions—you don’t need as much from others. You’re not as dependent on external validation or support because you’ve got a lot going on inside. You’re essentially your own best company.

This concept has roots in various philosophies and self-help teachings. For example, think of the ancient Stoics like Marcus Aurelius, who emphasized inner tranquility and self-reliance. Or consider the transcendentalists like Ralph Waldo Emerson, who championed self-reliance as a means to personal freedom and authenticity. They all shared this idea that true contentment comes from within, not from external sources.

Let me give you a real-life example. Take someone who’s deeply passionate about painting. They find joy and fulfillment in creating art. Even if no one ever buys their paintings or praises their work, they’re happy because they’re doing something they love. They don’t need external approval. Their satisfaction comes from the creative process itself. This doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate a compliment or constructive feedback, but that’s not what drives their happiness. Their inner world is rich and fulfilling enough on its own.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by investing in yourself. Find hobbies that you love, nurture your passions, and pursue knowledge and skills that make you feel accomplished. It’s about building a life that you enjoy independently of others. Sure, relationships and social interactions are important—they add value and joy to our lives. But they shouldn’t be the sole source of your happiness. When you’re content with yourself, relationships become a bonus, not a necessity.

Imagine you’re at a coffee shop, sitting alone with a book you’re really into. You’re happy, relaxed, and completely absorbed in your reading. You’re not anxiously waiting for someone to join you or checking your phone every few minutes. You’re just enjoying your own company. Now, think about a time when you felt the opposite—maybe you were at a party, feeling awkward and desperate for someone to talk to. The difference is stark, right? The first scenario is about being content with yourself, the second is about needing others to feel comfortable.

Here’s a relatable story. Picture a woman named Sarah. She’s recently moved to a new city and doesn’t know many people. Instead of feeling lonely or desperate for new friends, she dives into activities she loves—she joins a book club, starts taking yoga classes, and volunteers at a local animal shelter. She’s happy and fulfilled because she’s engaging in things that matter to her. When she does start making friends, these relationships are richer and more meaningful because she’s not relying on them to fill a void. She’s already happy on her own.

So next time you find yourself feeling needy or dependent on others for your happiness, take a step back. Ask yourself what you can do to enrich your own life. By investing in yourself and cultivating a fulfilling inner world, you’ll find that you need less from others—and that’s a pretty powerful place to be.