"Poor is the man whose pleasures depend on the permission of another"

Imagine living your life only finding joy in things that others allow you to do. Doesn't sound great, right? The core idea here is about independence—specifically, finding happiness and satisfaction on your own terms, not because someone else says it's okay.

Historically, this idea has deep roots. Think back to ancient philosophers like Epictetus, who talked a lot about inner freedom. He believed true happiness comes from within and isn't reliant on external circumstances. This quote echoes that sentiment, suggesting that if your happiness hinges on someone else's approval, you're not really free.

Let's bring this to life with a vivid example. Picture Sarah, a talented artist. She loves painting, but her joy in her work is constantly squashed by her overbearing mentor. He's critical, always telling her how she should paint and when her work is good enough. As a result, Sarah's happiness and satisfaction are chained to his approval. One day, she decides enough is enough. She starts painting for herself, not caring about what her mentor thinks. Suddenly, her joy returns. Her art flourishes because it's now driven by her passions and desires, not by someone else's permission.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by identifying areas where your happiness depends too much on others. Are you waiting for your boss's praise to feel competent? Do you rely on your friends' opinions to feel good about your choices? Begin to shift that power back to yourself. Cultivate hobbies, interests, and goals that are meaningful to you, regardless of external validation.

Now, let me paint a scenario for you. Imagine you're at a coffee shop with a friend. You're talking about your latest project at work—a presentation. You mention how you're anxious about your boss's reaction because you feel that only his approval will make your hard work worthwhile. Your friend looks at you and says, "Why do you need his approval to feel proud of your work?"

You pause. It's a good question. Think about it. If you believe in the effort and creativity you put into that presentation, isn't that enough? Sure, external validation feels good, but it shouldn't be the foundation of your self-worth. You leave the coffee shop with a new perspective. From now on, you decide to take pride in your accomplishments, big or small, regardless of whether others praise you.

In the end, living a fulfilling life is about finding joy and satisfaction within yourself, not from the crumbs of permission others might throw your way. Seek out what truly makes you happy and hold onto it fiercely. Don't wait for anyone's nod to enjoy your passions. After all, true wealth is about the richness of your experiences, not the permissions you collect along the way.