With all due respect to Mikszáth, you don’t have full control over how you “appear” to others. Sure, we can influence our appearance with our actions but it’s also impacted by things outside our control. People will always view our actions through their unique lens biased by their own experiences, thoughts, mental models etc.
I think the Stoics would argue it’s better to just focus on what’s the right thing to do regardless of how it “appears” externally
People are simpler and more predictable than you'd think. There are techniques (as outlined in the article) that can predictably improve how other people see you.
> I think the Stoics would argue it’s better to just focus on what’s the right thing to do regardless of how it “appears” externally
That quote is often referenced in political corruption cases, where the politician argues he's innocent but acknowledges they might appear suspicious because they weren't careful enough to be sure to also "appear honest", not just "be honest". It's also how you have to collect paper trails and documentation if you expect that some case of yours may go to court, even if you're innocent.
Anyway, I see that people are misunderstanding what I was pointing at.
Yes the right thing is important, but it's important because it's the right thing, not because it will lead to promotions and money and fame. Don't confuse it. My qualms are with people who declare that they will stick to their principles, out of principle and not at all because they expect anything in return. And then they get upset when they get nothing in return. My problem is with this second part, not with the first.
> My qualms are with people who declare that they will stick to their principles, out of principle and not at all because they expect anything in return. And then they get upset when they get nothing in return.
If one were a touch cynical though, loudly complaining about not getting credit with a pretended naivety is also one way of playing ‘the game’ , as you put it (even if it’s not to your taste).
I think the Stoics would argue it’s better to just focus on what’s the right thing to do regardless of how it “appears” externally