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Identify With Doing Good

August 10th

“As the sun does not wait for prayers and incantations to be induced to rise, but immediately shines and is saluted by all, so do you also not wait for clappings of hands and shouts of praise to be induced to do good. Be a doer of good voluntarily and you will be beloved as much as the sun.”

—Epictetus

Enchiridion

Consider the sun—a celestial giant, unwavering in its duty, providing warmth and light to all without the need for applause or admiration.

It does not linger beneath the horizon until the world chants its name; it rises, and the Earth greets it with life anew. Your actions, much like the sun's rise, should not hinge on the recognition of others. If you wait for applause to initiate kindness or to perform your duties, you surrender your power to the hands of an audience.

Instead, be like the sun. Rise and shine your goodness on the world with the quiet confidence that comes from knowing virtue is its reward. When you make the conscious decision to do good for good’s sake, not because it garners attention, but because it is the right thing to do, your life gains the warmth of purpose. You become a steadfast presence in the lives of others, appreciated as the sun is for its unwavering light.

Can you recall a moment where you did something helpful without seeking praise?

How did that make you feel inside, knowing that the good rippled out, regardless of who saw it happen?

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