The Sunday Stoic: On being valuable.

The Ganges River, also known as Ganga in Hindi, stretches over 1,500 miles from the high Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, supporting nearly a billion people. During my recent trip, I explored its diverse riverbanks from the bustling city of Varanasi to the lively town of Haridwar and its beginnings beyond Rishikesh. Along the way, I noticed the deep respect locals have for the river, often referring to it as Ganga Maiya, or Mother Ganga. Their reverence led me to reflect on the nature of value—what really makes something (or someone) truly valuable?

Let's start with a simple question: What does "value" really mean to us, and why does it matter so much? Well, "value" traces back to the Latin word "valere," which essentially means "to be strong or worthy." We all seek value because it's what gives us that inner boost, making us feel confident and respected by those around us. Whether it's acing our studies, perfecting our skills at work, or climbing the social ladder, our sense of our value confirms our worth in the world. But here's the thing: even when we've hit our goals and done everything, why do we sometimes still feel like we're not getting the recognition we deserve?

Rivers teach us a straightforward lesson: value isn't just about being the biggest or the smartest; it's about being accessible. Look at the Ganga River, for example—it's not the longest river in Asia or the one that carries the most water, but it's valuable because it's right there for the millions who depend on it, flowing through a highly populated northern India, quenching human thirst and irrigating farms on the way. That's way different from the Amazon River, which is huge but hard to get to in tropical jungles, or the neighboring Brahmaputra River, which mostly flows through tough-to-reach areas in Tibet. So, the river's value does not come from how big the river is but how many people can get to use it.

Just like rivers, our value lies not just in our abilities, but in our utility—how we are useful to others. Sometimes, we get so caught up in improving our skills by ourselves that we forget to ask if these skills are even what other people need. Think about someone who's really smart but hard to get along with; people probably won't want to work with them, and that makes them less valuable. What really makes us valuable is being able to share our ideas, solve problems, and work well with others. Imagine value as a three-legged stool: one leg is being skilled, another is being cooperative, and the third is being helpful. If any leg is missing, the stool can't stand. In short, most value comes from being problem solvers for other people.

A river can teach us a lot about how our value shifts with time. In the Himalayas, the young Ganga frolics along rocky shores, much like when we're children, focused on our own little worlds, bringing joy to those around us. As it flows into the plains and merges with other rivers, it's akin to how we build connections through work and friendships as adults. Then, as it sustains farms along its path, it mirrors the stage of middle age when we prioritize supporting our families and communities. Finally, as it spreads into a vast delta, it reflects how we slow down in our later years, aiming to leave behind something of value for those who come after us. Just like a river, we provide a different kind of value at each stage.

I believe that rivers beautifully illustrate ancient Stoic ideals such as eudaimonia and oikiosis. Aristotle(384-322 BCE), taught that eudaimonia means living a life of purpose. For a river, this could be flowing freely and nurturing the earth; for a person, it is living productively. In the same vein, the Stoic philosopher Chrysippus (282 to 206 BCE) introduced the concept of oikiosis. This idea is about taking care of oneself before helping others, drawing a parallel to how a river needs to be stable before it can sustain life along its banks. Just as a flooded river can overwhelm everything around it, a person lacking self-discipline can disrupt the harmony within a group. So, when working with others, it’s better to be like a small and helpful freshwater stream rather than a massive yet unruly sea.

In closing, rivers offer three lessons on accruing value. First, our value is determined by others, not by self-proclamation, as it is earned through actions, not declarations. At the end of the day, what matters to others is our usefulness, not our impressiveness. Second, in a group, real value comes from our ability to collaborate and communicate. When we synchronize our notes to those of others, we can create good music together. Lastly, adaptability is crucial; much like a small stream that grows into a river navigating landscapes, we too must be flexible in our circumstances. So, if you're still wondering how to gain value, why not let the river inspire you this week?

The views expressed in this essay are solely mine and do not represent those of any individuals, employers, or organizations with which I may be associated. While I'm not an expert on Stoicism, I spend time studying it to think more critically. I'm not a professional writer, so I might have used online tools to illustrate ideas and make some parts clearer. My goal is to communicate ideas, not impress. If you have any thoughts on how Stoicism and daily life could work together, I'd love to hear them through LinkedIn messaging. If you found this essay helpful, feel free to repost or share it with other.