Unshaken by Others: Cultivating Resilience and Compassion

“When you wake up in the morning, tell yourself: The people I deal with today will be meddling, ungrateful, arrogant, dishonest, jealous, and surly. They are like this because they can’t tell good from evil.

But I have seen the beauty of good, and the ugliness of evil, and have recognized that the wrongdoer has a nature related to my own—not of the same blood or birth, but the same mind, and possessing a share of the divine. And so none of them can hurt me.”

Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius centers this reflection on the idea that each day will present challenges through the imperfect behavior of others. He reminds himself—and the reader—that negative traits in others stem from ignorance rather than malice. Crucially, he positions personal understanding and recognition of goodness as shields against harm.

The insight lies in seeing others' faults not as personal affronts, but as reflections of their own limitations. By recognizing our shared humanity—the same mind and a piece of the divine—Aurelius urges compassion and resilience.

Instead of reacting with anger or taking things personally, we are invited to respond with equanimity, maintaining our integrity no matter how others behave. This is a call to root our well-being not in the unpredictable actions of others, but in our own capacity for understanding and virtue.

For entrepreneurs, Marcus Aurelius’ wisdom carries special relevance. Building or leading a venture exposes one to criticism, jealousy, rejection, and at times, dishonesty from collaborators, competitors, or clients.

During successful periods, others’ envy or negativity may threaten optimism. In times of doubt and difficulty, skepticism, blame, or betrayal can amplify stress. This quote teaches entrepreneurs to anticipate such behaviors without being derailed by them.

• In growth phases, team members or partners may resist change, act out of self-interest, or fail to show gratitude. Recognizing these are human tendencies—rather than personal failures—helps leaders stay calm and drive forward constructively.

• In setbacks, entrepreneurs might face harsh judgments or feel let down by others’ actions. By remembering that everyone shares the same basic nature and struggles, leaders can avoid bitterness, maintain professionalism, and continue acting from principle.

• For example, when a much-anticipated partnership falls through due to another’s dishonesty, an entrepreneur anchored in Stoic wisdom can accept the event without harboring resentment, focusing instead on the next right action for their venture.

• Similarly, when celebrated, acknowledging that both praise and criticism reflect others’ perspectives—often limited—allows for balance and steady progress.

By tying well-being to their own actions, not the opinions or behaviors of others, entrepreneurs create a durable foundation for both resilience and ethical leadership.

Cha