Stoic Ethics: The Intention Determines the Moral Quality

The Stoics believed that nothing is inherently good or bad—only our judgments, intentions, and choices determine whether something is virtuous (good) or vicious (bad).

Core Principle:

Externals (wealth, health, reputation) are indifferent—they have no moral value in themselves.
Internals (intentions, choices, virtues) are good or bad based on how we use them.

Epictetus:"It’s not things that disturb us, but our judgments about things." (Enchiridion 5)

20 Examples of Intention vs. External Action

1. Giving Money to Charity

Good Intention: To alleviate suffering (virtue: justice).
Bad Intention: To gain social status (vice: vanity).

2. Exercising

Good Intention: To care for your body (virtue: temperance).
Bad Intention: To fuel vanity (vice: pride).

3. Criticizing Someone

Good Intention: To help them improve (virtue: honesty).
Bad Intention: To humiliate them (vice: cruelty).

4. Working Hard

Good Intention: To contribute value (virtue: diligence).
Bad Intention: To outshine others (vice: envy).

5. Eating a Meal

Good Intention: To nourish yourself (virtue: moderation).
Bad Intention: To numb emotions (vice: gluttony).

6. Ending a Relationship

Good Intention: To respect mutual growth (virtue: wisdom).
Bad Intention: To punish the other person (vice: spite).

7. Speaking in Public

Good Intention: To share truth (virtue: courage).
Bad Intention: To manipulate (vice: deceit).

8. Buying Expensive Clothes

Good Intention: To present yourself respectfully (virtue: propriety).
Bad Intention: To flaunt wealth (vice: arrogance).

9. Taking a Vacation

Good Intention: To restore energy (virtue: balance).
Bad Intention: To escape responsibilities (vice: laziness).

10. Defending Your Opinion

Good Intention: To seek truth (virtue: integrity).
Bad Intention: To "win" the argument (vice: stubbornness).

11. Helping a Stranger

Good Intention: To act with kindness (virtue: compassion).
Bad Intention: To appear virtuous (vice: hypocrisy).

12. Studying Philosophy

Good Intention: To live wisely (virtue: self-improvement).
Bad Intention: To impress others (vice: pretension).

13. Disciplining a Child

Good Intention: To guide him (virtue: responsibility).
Bad Intention: To vent frustration (vice: anger).

14. Saving Money

Good Intention: To prepare for the future (virtue: prudence).
Bad Intention: To hoard out of fear (vice: greed).

15. Posting on Social Media

Good Intention: To inspire (virtue: generosity).
Bad Intention: To seek validation (vice: insecurity).

16. Apologizing

Good Intention: To make amends (virtue: humility).
Bad Intention: To manipulate forgiveness (vice: deceit).

17. Practicing Silence

Good Intention: To listen and reflect (virtue: wisdom).
Bad Intention: To punish others (vice: passive aggression).

18. Traveling the World

Good Intention: To learn and grow (virtue: curiosity).
Bad Intention: To run from problems (vice: avoidance).

19. Reading Books

Good Intention: To gain wisdom (virtue: self-discipline).
Bad Intention: To appear intellectual (vice: vanity).

20. Choosing a Career

Good Intention: To serve others (virtue: purpose).
Bad Intention: To please parents (vice: conformity).

Why This Matters

Freedom: You control your intentions, not outcomes.
Moral Clarity: Virtue is always available, even in hardship.
Resilience: External "failures" can’t corrupt a good intention.

Marcus Aurelius:"Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one." (Meditations 10.16)

Stoic Exercise

Next time you act, ask:

"Why am I doing this?"
"Is this aligned with wisdom, courage, justice, or temperance?"

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