My boss regularly takes credit for his employees' work. He did it to me twice—presenting my analysis to the board as his own. When I mentioned it to HR, they said "that's just how Steve is" and reminded me he's "well-connected." My friends say I should just accept it—pick my battles, focus on what I can control, don't make waves. My husband says I should document everything and file a formal complaint, even if it costs me my job. I'm torn. Part of me wants to be stoic about it and just do good work. Another part of me feels like staying silent makes me complicit in a system that exploits people. Do I accept what I cannot change, or do I fight even if I'll probably lose? — Stolen From in Seattle
When to accept injustice and when to fight it. Marcus Aurelius' stoic wisdom meets Douglass' righteous resistance.
My boss regularly takes credit for his employees' work. He did it to me twice—presenting my analysis to the board as his own. When I mentioned it to HR, they said "that's just how Steve is" and reminded me he's "well-connected." My friends say I should just accept it—pick my battles, focus on what I can control, don't make waves. My husband says I should document everything and file a formal complaint, even if it costs me my job. I'm torn. Part of me wants to be stoic about it and just do good work. Another part of me feels like staying silent makes me complicit in a system that exploits people. Do I accept what I cannot change, or do I fight even if I'll probably lose? — Stolen From in Seattle
Marcus Aurelius
"You have power over your mind, not outside events—focus on what is within your control"
39 votes
Frederick Douglass
"Power concedes nothing without a demand—your silence enables the system"
48 votes
87 votes total
Full Positions
From Meditations
"You have power over your mind, not outside events—focus on what is within your control"
The obstacle becomes the way. Focus on your own excellence, not on Steve's failings. His character is his burden, not yours. Anger at injustice you cannot change only poisons you. But this does not mean passive acceptance—document, prepare, and act when opportunity presents itself.
From Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave
"Power concedes nothing without a demand—your silence enables the system"
If there is no struggle, there is no progress. I was told to accept my condition. I was told resistance was futile. But you are not defined by what others say you are. Speak, even if your voice shakes. Others are watching, waiting to see if anyone will stand.