Why We Love Ourselves but Care More About Other People's Opinions

Marcus Aurelius says people love themselves more than anyone else, yet often value other people’s opinions more than their own. The post explains this as a common human tendency and uses it to argue for more confidence in one’s own judgment.

Reading notes

#

• People put their own survival, well-being, and preferences first, even when they are generous or selfless.
• In matters of opinion, people often look to others first and let outside judgment shape how they see themselves.
• Repeated criticism can make someone accept a negative view of themselves, even when they do not truly believe it.
• If everyone around you dislikes something you enjoyed, you may start doubting your own response.
• The takeaway is to value your own opinion of yourself and what you like, and to notice when other people’s views start to overpower it.
• The piece also says to be guided by facts when they are presented well, while still keeping pride in a personal perspective that may differ from others.