Why Do You Need To Impress These People Again?
Stop twisting yourself into knots for the approval of others. True serenity comes from being content with who you are, not from chasing validation from flawed people.
"If you should ever turn your will to things outside your control in order to impress someone, be sure that you have wrecked your whole purpose in life. Be content, then, to be a philosopher in all that you do..." Epictetus, Enchiridion, 23
The practice of seeking approval leads people to alter their appearance and personal habits and their way of speaking in order to receive approval from others. Looking back, this desperate behavior can seem like a temporary form of insanity. The profound irony is that the people whose opinions we covet are usually flawed and distracted themselves. The famous line from Fight Club states that "We buy things we don't need, to impress people we don't like".
Chasing this kind of external validation is ridiculous and takes you as far as possible from the serenity and security that philosophy is meant to provide.
Common Questions
Why is seeking approval so destructive?
Because it places your self-worth and happiness in things entirely outside your control, effectively wrecking your own life's purpose and peace of mind.
What should I do instead of trying to impress others?
Focus on being content with yourself and practicing your principles. If you truly want to be respected as a wise person, start by proving it to yourself first.
Your Key Takeaway: Don't sacrifice your authenticity for applause. The people you are trying to impress are flawed, and seeking their approval will only rob you of your inner peace.