The Truth of Harm

“Man is disturbed not by things, but by the views he takes of them.” – Epictetus

Nobody can truly cause you harm; only you have the power to hurt yourself. Harm is not inherent in any event or action—it is your interpretation of what has been done to you that defines it. Suffering does not come from the event itself, but from how you perceive and respond to it.

"You give meaning and determine the impact of external events. Harm is not something others impose; it is something you allow through your interpretation." Marcus Aurelius

This profound truth means you have the power to revoke harm at any moment. You are the judge of your experiences, and you hold the key to your own freedom. By choosing how to perceive and respond, you regain control over your emotional well-being. The power to define harm—and to neutralize it—is always within you.