"L'homme qui fait en sorte que tout ce qui mène au bonheur dépende de lui-même, et non des autres hommes, a adopté le meilleur plan pour vivre heureux. C'est l'homme de modération, l'homme de caractère viril et de sagesse."

The essence of this quote is pretty straightforward. It’s about taking control of your own happiness. Don’t rely on others to make you happy; instead, find that happiness within yourself. When you do that, you’ve basically found the best way to live a joyful life. It’s all about being moderate, having a strong character, and being wise.

Now, let’s take a little trip back in time. This idea isn’t new. It’s rooted in ancient philosophy, particularly in the teachings of Greek philosophers like Aristotle and the Stoics. They emphasized self-reliance and the idea that happiness is an internal state, not something dependent on external circumstances or other people. These thinkers believed that true happiness comes from living a virtuous and balanced life.

Alright, so how does this play out in real life? Imagine you’re at work, and you’ve been counting on getting praise from your boss to feel good about your performance. But what happens when the praise doesn’t come? Do you feel deflated, unappreciated? Instead, what if you found satisfaction in knowing you did a great job, regardless of whether anyone else noticed? That’s the practical application. By relying on your own assessment and pride in your work, you maintain your happiness and motivation. You’re not giving others the power to dictate how you feel.

So, how can you put this wisdom into practice in your own life? Start small. Think about what makes you happy and see if you can find ways to source that happiness from within. Maybe it’s taking pride in your hard work, appreciating your unique talents, or simply enjoying the small moments in life. Don’t wait for others to validate your worth or your happiness. Make it a point to recognize and celebrate your own achievements. It’s about building a habit of internal validation.

Now, let’s dive into a relatable scenario. Picture Jane, a young graphic designer. Jane loves her work and pours her heart into every project. But she’s constantly seeking approval from her clients and coworkers. When she gets it, she’s on cloud nine. When she doesn’t, she’s crushed. One day, after a particularly tough critique, Jane decides to shift her perspective. She starts setting personal goals for each project and measures her success by those standards. She appreciates her creativity, the effort she puts in, and the growth she sees in her skills. Over time, she becomes less reliant on external praise and finds a steady source of happiness in her own progress and dedication.

In the end, it’s all about mindset. By focusing on what you can control—your actions, your thoughts, and your responses—you build a foundation of happiness that isn’t easily shaken by the ups and downs of life. So next time you find yourself looking outward for validation or happiness, take a step back. Ask yourself, “How can I find this within me?” It’s not always easy, but with practice, you’ll find that your happiness becomes more stable, more reliable, and truly your own.