“Doctors won’t make you healthy. Nutritionists won’t make you slim. Teachers won’t make you smart. Gurus won’t make you calm. Mentors won’t make you rich. Trainers won’t make you fit. Ultimately, you have to take responsibility. Save yourself.”Naval Ravikant
In modern life, it's easy to rely on external sources for our well-being, whether it's expecting a fitness trainer to make us fit or a teacher to make us smart. However, true growth and change come from within. For example, a person seeking to improve their financial situation can hire a mentor for guidance, but ultimately, the responsibility to save and invest wisely falls on their shoulders.
The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that a person's heart plans their way, indicating the importance of individual initiative and responsibility. This aligns with the Stoic pillar of Wisdom, which emphasizes using reason and self-awareness to navigate life's challenges and make virtuous choices.