We live in an age obsessed with reputation. The number of followers, likes, and mentions can seem like a measure of who we are. Even in more traditional settings—at work, in a community, among peers—perception still holds incredible power. We care what others think of us, because social standing feels tied to survival. But for the Stoic, there’s a line drawn sharply between reputation and character—between what people say about us, and what we are.

Differentiating character and reputation

The Stoic understands that reputation lies outside their control. Character does not. Reputation is a story others tell about us; character is the story we tell through action. The first is fickle, prone to rumour and bias. The second is steady, crafted by choice, intention, and virtue.

What is said of you does not touch your soul; nor does it make you worse or better. - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 5.16

He reminded himself of this daily—and he was emperor of Rome! Few people in history have had more eyes watching, more opinions circulating, or more incentive to please. And yet he saw clearly that his peace depended not on being admired, but on being right—not in a moralistic sense, but in a reasoned, disciplined one.

To act with integrity, then, means accepting the possibility of disapproval. This is not easy. The Stoic doesn’t become indifferent to others because they think they’re better—they become indifferent because they realize opinions don’t change truth. A surgeon doesn’t look to the crowd for approval mid-operation. A captain doesn’t take a poll before steering through a storm. They rely on judgment, honed through principle and practice.

Stoic indifference and pride

But there’s a danger in this line of thinking.

It’s easy to confuse Stoic indifference with pride—to believe that “not caring what others think” means you’re beyond correction. In truth, a Stoic must care deeply about truth itself, and be open to any source that reveals it. The difference is that they test every opinion—including their own—against reason. If criticism is valid, it becomes fuel for improvement. If it’s not, it passes like wind through trees.

The wise man is not angry with one who tells him the truth; he rather thanks him. - Seneca, Moral Letters, 81.19

The Stoic listens to others, but measures their feedback against a higher compass— virtue. In modern life, that might mean holding your ground when criticized for an unpopular decision at work, yet still having the humility to examine whether you acted from ego or from principle. The goal isn’t to ignore others; it’s to ensure your response is governed by thought, not by fear of judgment.

Public disapproval, then, becomes a kind of test—a mirror for your convictions. Do you still believe in the choice you made when it costs you approval? That’s the moment your character is measured. Epictetus compared it to the athlete’s arena:

You will be mocked, you will be jeered, and people will laugh at you. But if you truly wish to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid with regard to external things. - Epictetus, Discourses, 1.24

The Stoic doesn’t wish for a clean reputation; they wish to live well, and that sometimes means walking through misunderstanding.

Managing desires

There’s a passage from Meditations I often reflect on.

If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but your estimate of it. - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 8.47

The same is true for disapproval. The discomfort isn’t in the opinion—it’s in our desire to be seen as good. And that desire, though natural, must be reined in by reason. The Stoic doesn’t need everyone’s approval because they already have the approval that matters—that of their own conscience.

In leadership, this distinction is crucial. Many people lead by chasing popularity or consensus. The Stoic leader, however, seeks clarity. They aim to act rightly, even when the optics are bad. They may appear harsh in the moment, but time often reveals their motives. This doesn’t make them immune to error—quite the opposite. Their humility compels them to reassess decisions constantly. But they will not trade integrity for applause.

Closing remarks

It’s worth remembering that reputation eventually fades. People forget, misremember, or reinterpret your actions. But character—that inward architecture of choices and principles—is the one legacy fully under your command. To cultivate it is to build something timeless.

So the Stoic walks the line: caring deeply about truth, but not about noise; open to feedback, but unmoved by flattery or scorn. Reputation may follow or flee, but it cannot touch who you are unless you let it.

Character is who you are when the applause stops. And for the Stoic, that’s the only thing that matters.

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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