Ask Stoics source guide · Stoicism at Work
Stoicism and Office Politics
Office politics often involve external factors like reputation, status, and the actions of others, which are not within our control. Stoicism offers a framework for navigating these dynamics by focusing on our own judgments, desires, and aversions. By understanding what is truly in our power, we can maintain inner peace and act with integrity, even in challenging workplace environments. This approach helps preserve truth, justice, and role clarity without surrendering attention to status games.
On this page you will get a clear explanation, a way to examine the idea, exact evidence from public-domain Stoic texts, and links for continuing the study.
Distinguishing What Is and Is Not in Your Power
Stoicism teaches us to differentiate between things that are within our power and those that are not. Our opinions, desires, and aversions are within our control, while external factors like reputation, property, and the actions of others are not.
Recognizing this distinction is crucial in office politics. If we mistakenly believe external outcomes or others' perceptions are within our power, we will inevitably experience hindrance, lamentation, and disturbance.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
The Illusion of External Control
Many aspects of office politics, such as promotions, recognition, or the opinions of colleagues, fall into the category of things not in our power. These are weak, slavish, and subject to the control of others.
Desiring things that depend on others inevitably leads to being hindered and impeded. True freedom comes from aligning our desires with what is genuinely within our own acts and choices.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1; Epictetus, Discourses 4.1
Cultivating Inner Freedom
A person becomes free from hindrance and their own master not through wealth, power, or position, but through a different kind of discovery. This freedom stems from understanding the 'science of life.'
This 'science of life' involves knowing what truly makes one unimpeded. It is the knowledge that allows us to navigate life's challenges, including office politics, without being enslaved by external circumstances.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 4.1
The Role of Justice in the Workplace
Justice is a virtue that never injures anyone; instead, it always fosters tranquility of mind. This is partly due to its inherent nature and partly to the hope it provides for a well-ordered life.
In office politics, acting justly means not only avoiding harm but also contributing to an environment that supports a healthy, uncorrupted nature. This contrasts with rashness or lust, which disturb the mind.
Sources: Cicero, On Ends 1.16
Maintaining Tranquility Amidst Turbulence
Rashness, lust, and idleness are described as qualities that always torture and make the mind anxious. These turbulent characteristics are often at play in negative office politics.
By contrast, justice, wisdom, temperance, and fortitude are connected with pleasure and cannot be separated from it. These virtues foster a tranquil mind, even when external circumstances are chaotic.
Sources: Cicero, On Ends 1.16
Applying Stoic Principles to Your Role
Focus on your own acts and responsibilities within your role. Your performance, integrity, and ethical conduct are entirely within your power, unlike the opinions or actions of others.
By concentrating on what you can control, you can maintain your inner peace and effectiveness, rather than being disturbed by the inevitable external pressures and status games of the workplace.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1; Epictetus, Discourses 4.1
What the primary texts say
These excerpts keep their work and exact locator so you can check the claim in context rather than accepting a detached quotation.
“Of things some are in our power, and others are not. In our power are opinion (ὑπόληψις), movement towards a thing (ὁρμή), desire, aversion (ἔκκλισις, turning from a thing); and in a word, whatever are our own acts: not in our power are the body, property, reputation, offices (magisterial power), and in a word, whatever are not our own acts.”
“What then is that which makes a man free from hindrance and makes him his own master? For wealth does not do it, nor consulship, nor provincial government, nor royal power; but something else must be discovered. What then is that which when we write makes us free from hindrance and unimpeded? The knowledge of the art of writing. What then is it in playing the lute? The science of playing the lute. Therefore in life also it is the science of life.”
“Justice remains to be mentioned, that I may not omit any virtue whatever; but nearly the same things may be said respecting that. For, as I have already shown that wisdom, temperance, and fortitude are connected with pleasure in such a way that they cannot possibly be separated or divided from it, so also we must consider that it is the case with justice.”
Frequently asked questions
How can Stoicism help me deal with a difficult boss?
Focus on your own responses and duties, which are in your power. The boss's behavior is external. By managing your reactions and maintaining your integrity, you preserve your inner tranquility.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
What if my reputation is being damaged by office politics?
Reputation is not in your power. While you can act justly, the opinions of others are external. Concentrate on your own virtuous actions, as these are your true acts.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
How do I avoid getting caught up in workplace gossip?
Gossip involves external events and the actions of others, which are not in your power. Direct your attention to your own thoughts and actions, choosing not to engage in what is outside your control.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
Can Stoicism help me advance my career?
Career advancement, like offices or property, is not entirely in your power. Focus on developing your 'science of life' and acting with justice and wisdom, which are within your control.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 4.1; Cicero, On Ends 1.16
Continue with Ask Stoics
Bring one of these source-grounded questions into the app:
- How do I apply the dichotomy of control to a specific workplace conflict?
- What does it mean to act justly when a colleague is unfair?
- How can I maintain inner peace when facing workplace stress?
- What is the 'science of life' in the context of my professional role?