Can a Stoic be ambitious?

Stoicism, like many philosophies, suffers from widespread misconceptions. One such misunderstanding is the belief that Stoics reject ambition and success – that they avoid pursuing career achievements or material wealth. However, this is not necessarily the case. A Stoic can, in fact, be ambitious and successful while remaining true to Stoic virtues.

Virtue as the ultimate pursuit

The core tenet of Stoicism is the pursuit of virtue – nothing else. Virtue is not just one good among many; it is the only good. While defining virtue in depth is outside the scope of this article, it is essential to emphasize that in Stoic philosophy, virtue means excellence, specifically moral excellence.

Excellence, in general, implies the pursuit of progress in a given field. Whether in work, relationships, or personal development, excellence demands effort, attention to detail, and integrity. Moral excellence, which Stoicism prescribes, aligns closely with this concept of continuous improvement. Unlike career excellence, which may apply to specific jobs or industries, moral excellence is a lifelong commitment that cannot be switched on and off.

The apparent paradox: Ambition and Stoicism

At first glance, there seems to be a paradox: if one pursues excellence at work, they often gain wealth, status, and power as a byproduct. If Stoicism encourages the pursuit of excellence, does that not also imply an indirect pursuit of success? The answer lies in the Stoic prioritization of values.

A Stoic does not pursue wealth, status, or power for their own sake. Instead, they focus on doing their job with integrity, diligence, and commitment. If success follows, it is merely a consequence of their virtuous actions – not the goal itself.

The key difference: A Stoic’s approach to ambition

So what separates a Stoic pursuing worldly success from a non-Stoic? The distinction lies in values and priorities. A Stoic values virtue above all else, meaning that while they may achieve career success, they do not sacrifice their principles to obtain it.

A non-Stoic might chase promotions, wealth, or influence at any cost, potentially engaging in unethical behaviour to reach their goals. A Stoic, however, would only accept success that arises from actions aligned with their moral principles. If success demands dishonesty, betrayal, or manipulation, a Stoic would reject it.

Stoicism warns against becoming enslaved by ambition – allowing the pursuit of status or wealth to dictate one’s actions. A true Stoic does not let their desire for success override their moral framework. The path forward is to pursue excellence through discipline and integrity while remaining detached from external outcomes.

Success without sacrifice

The Stoic belief is simple: if you act with integrity, the outcomes will take care of themselves. Success achieved through virtue has no internal conflict. However, sacrificing one’s principles to attain success corrupts both the individual and their accomplishments.

For example, a Stoic leader in a corporate setting might be ambitious about making their company successful, improving efficiency, or developing their employees. However, they would not engage in unethical behaviour, such as exploiting workers or deceiving clients, to reach their goals. Their ambition is guided by virtue, not consumed by it.

The question every Stoic must ask

A key question arises in the discussion of Stoicism and ambition: Does your ambition serve you, or do you serve your ambition?

A Stoic ensures that their ambitions align with their principles. They accept success with gratitude but remain unshaken if it does not come. They view material success as indifferent – it may be preferable, but it does not define their self-worth or moral standing. To a Stoic, external achievements are secondary to internal character. A promotion, financial gain, or public recognition may be welcomed as useful or beneficial, but it is never needed for fulfillment.
This detachment allows the Stoic to navigate both success and failure with equanimity. If success comes, it is acknowledged and appreciated, but it does not inflate the ego or alter one's fundamental values. If success does not come, a Stoic does not despair or consider themselves lesser. Instead, they remain steadfast in their pursuit of virtue, knowing that their worth is measured by their character and not by external validation.

Detachment from outcomes

To practice Stoicism while pursuing worldly excellence, one must remain detached from outcomes. This means focusing on what is within one’s control: character, discipline, effort, and integrity. External success, if it comes, is a welcomed byproduct – but it is never the reason for one’s actions.

In the end, a Stoic can be ambitious and successful, provided that their ambition remains in service of virtue rather than the other way around. If success arrives, a Stoic accepts it gracefully. If it does not, they remain content, knowing they have upheld their principles. And in Stoicism, that is the ultimate success.

Brandon is most well-known for his podcast, The Strong Stoic Podcast, where he discusses philosophical ideas both solo and with guests. He also coaches individuals to help them be their best selves, writes articles, plays music, manages projects, and several other things.

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