Have you ever wondered what truly makes someone a good person?
In a world filled with so many opinions and social expectations, it can be difficult to pin down what it means to live with genuine kindness and virtue. The Stoics, with their timeless wisdom, have a lot to say about this.
For them, goodness wasn’t just about grand gestures or public displays of morality. It was about the everyday actions we take—how we treat others, how we control ourselves, and how we align our lives with virtue.
In this article, we’re going to explore seven of these behaviors. These aren’t complicated or unattainable practices—they’re small, intentional habits that you can start building today.
Let’s dive in.
01 You do good without expecting anything in return
One of the clearest signs of a genuinely good person is the ability to do good for its own sake—not for recognition or reward.
The Stoics taught that virtue is its own reward.
Marcus Aurelius writes, “One kind of man when he does a good turn to someone is forward also to set down the favor to his account… A third is in a sense not even conscious of what he has done but he is like a vine which has borne grapes and asks nothing more when once it has borne its appropriate fruit.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
This idea of acting without self-awareness or expectation of gratitude is powerful. A genuinely good person helps others simply because it is the right thing to do. Whether it’s lending a hand to a stranger or being there for a friend in need, the Stoic does good without counting the cost or looking for applause.
2) You strive for the greater good
The Stoics believed that we are all interconnected, and our actions should contribute to the welfare of others.
Marcus Aurelius encapsulates this idea beautifully when he says, “What does not benefit the hive is no benefit to the bee” & “We are all working together to a single end”. (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Striving for the greater good means aligning personal goals with the needs of society. It’s about recognizing that we are part of something larger than ourselves and that our actions ripple outward, affecting others in ways we might not immediately see. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, service, or simply living by example, a genuinely good person seeks to improve the world around them.
This encourages us to think beyond our own desires and ambitions, focusing instead on how we can contribute to the common good. It’s a reminder that true goodness lies in selflessness and that when we uplift others, we ultimately uplift ourselves.
3) You don’t judge people based on wealth or status
Do you ever find yourself making assumptions about someone based on their wealth or status? Let’s be honest, we all have.
The Stoics, however, believed this was a flawed way of thinking.
Epictetus wisely noted, “It is illogical to reason thus: ‘I am richer than you, therefore I am superior to you.’ It is more logical to reason, ‘I am richer than you, therefore my property is superior to yours.’” (The Discourses of Epictetus, 1916)
For the Stoics, a genuinely good person does not equate material wealth or social standing with a person’s true worth. They understood that external possessions are beyond our control and are no measure of a person’s character. Instead, the Stoics taught us to look at what truly matters—virtue, wisdom, and how a person lives their life.
By valuing individuals for their actions, intentions, and virtues rather than their material success, we foster more meaningful connections and a fairer, kinder society. This approach to life is rooted in the Stoic belief that every person, regardless of their wealth or status, has the potential for goodness and virtue.
4) You do right, even when others don’t
So, let’s say you find yourself in a situation where everyone around you is cutting corners at work to get ahead—fudging numbers, taking shortcuts, or bending the truth. You know it’s wrong, but it seems like the easy path, and nobody else is getting caught. What do you do?
For the Stoics, the answer is clear: you do what is right, no matter what others are doing. Marcus Aurelius put it simply: “Whatever anyone may do or say, I am bound to be good.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
In moments like these, a genuinely good person doesn’t let the behavior of others dictate their own actions. Stoicism teaches that our duty is to live in accordance with virtue, even when it’s challenging. You maintain your integrity because that is who you are—not because of the rewards or consequences imposed by others.
By standing firm in your principles, you affirm your commitment to doing what is right, even in the face of pressure or temptation. This unwavering adherence to virtue not only defines your character but also serves as a powerful example to those around you, potentially inspiring them to follow suit.
5) You empathize rather than judge
“Habituate yourself not to be attentive to what another has to say, and so far as possible be in the mind of the speaker.” — Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Empathy is a cornerstone of being a genuinely good person, and the Stoics believed that understanding others is far more valuable than passing judgment.
Instead of quickly condemning someone for their actions or words, a Stoic pauses to consider the underlying reasons—what might this person be going through? What experiences have shaped their behavior?
Empathy allows us to bridge gaps and connect with others on a deeper level. Instead of letting our own biases cloud our judgment, we make an effort to see the world from another person’s perspective. This practice fosters compassion and understanding, softening our immediate reactions and allowing us to approach situations with kindness rather than criticism.
By empathizing rather than judging, we honor the Stoic principle of unity and shared humanity. It reminds us that we are all flawed yet capable of understanding and helping one another grow through patient and compassionate interaction.
The bottom line
Living as a genuinely good person, according to Stoicism, is about small, intentional actions that align with virtue and integrity—regardless of external circumstances.
From striving for the greater good to empathizing, these behaviors can shape not only your life but the world around you.
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.
