Epictetus calls for internal validation rather than external approval as the foundation of self-worth. When we base our value on others' opinions, we become enslaved to their judgments and lose touch with our own authentic values and goals. Others' opinions are often based on incomplete information, personal biases, or their own insecurities - hardly a reliable foundation for self-esteem. What we think of ourselves, based on honest self-reflection and alignment with our values, is far more important and actionable. This doesn't mean ignoring all feedback, but it means filtering it through our own judgment rather than accepting it uncritically. True confidence comes from internal alignment, not external validation.