What distinguishes humans from other animals, is that we have some kind of choice.

External and internal influences push us around, but when we reflect and weigh pros and cons, we have a sense of agency.

If we act good or not depends on us.

So why are some people “bad”?

First, what is bad in your eyes could be great in mine. It’s all interpretation.

Second, we make choices based on what we think is right. I might make a choice that harms me later, but in this moment I think it’s the best choice.

Socrates and early Stoics held that nobody does wrong on purpose—everybody does what they think is right for them.

That’s why it’s so important to live a philosophical life and reflect on our beliefs and resulting behaviors.

So how can we make the right decisions, the ones that benefit us and those around us?

For Stoics, it’s striving to be wise in everything: thought, speech, and behavior.

We must also strive to be courageous, just, and moderate. Cultivating these traits is uplifting.

On the other hand, we can harm ourselves by living unphilosophical lives.

What would that look like? You’d show foolishness, injustice, cowardice, and immodesty.

You’d not only suffer mentally, but also hurt those around your because of the resulting behavior.

Growing up in a moralistic environment, judging others became my default mode.

Discovering Stoic philosophy helped me shift focus to myself. I’m only responsible for my own behavior, even if others try to harm me.

My only concern is to be wise, courageous, just, and moderate.