“Each person acquires their own character, but their official roles are designated by chance. You should invite some to your table because they are deserving, others because they may come to deserve it.”
— Seneca, Moral Letters, 47.15b
In today’s world, success often seems to depend on credentials — where someone went to school, what positions they’ve held, who they know. Resumes and titles are easy to measure, but they rarely tell the whole story. Seneca reminds us that while positions may be granted by luck or circumstance, character is something we build through our choices. It is the one thing that cannot be assigned or faked for long.
Character Over Circumstance
Seneca’s words challenge the modern obsession with status. Roles, titles, and opportunities often come through chance — the right timing, the right connections, or even simple luck. But character is earned. It is forged in moments of challenge, in the quiet decisions no one sees, and in the consistency of our actions over time.
Whether in business, leadership, or personal life, character determines how far we can go and how well we can handle the journey. Titles might open doors, but only character keeps them open.
The True Measure of Success
In the hiring process, we often judge people by their track record — degrees, awards, experience. But as the Stoics remind us, past success isn’t always proof of virtue or potential. Some achieve greatness through privilege or luck. Others simply haven’t had the chance to prove themselves yet. That doesn’t make them less worthy; it just means their story is still being written.
Heraclitus said, “Character is fate.” This timeless truth means that the outcome of your life is determined less by luck or status and more by who you are at your core. Your habits, your integrity, your ability to act rightly even when it costs you — these are what ultimately shape your destiny.
The Long Game
Character may not always provide quick wins. In a world that rewards shortcuts, genuine integrity can feel slow. But over time, it becomes your most powerful asset. People trust character. Teams rally around it. Clients and partners remember it.
When you build your life and business on the foundation of strong character, you create a structure that stands through time — not just a momentary success, but a lasting legacy.
Choosing the Right People
Seneca’s quote ends with a simple but profound idea: “Invite some to your table because they are deserving, others because they may come to deserve it.”
This speaks to mentorship, leadership, and faith in human potential. Surround yourself with people of strong character, and also invest in those who are still becoming. True leaders don’t just seek proven talent — they help others rise.
Final Reflection
Your career, your relationships, and your destiny are not shaped by luck alone. They are carved from your character — day by day, decision by decision.
So when you evaluate success — your own or someone else’s — look beyond titles and accomplishments. Ask instead: What kind of person are they becoming?
Because in the end, character is not only fate — it’s legacy.
Armen’s Perspective
In every venture I lead — whether it’s real estate, construction, or business strategy — I’ve learned that skill gets you noticed, but character earns you trust. The world doesn’t need more people chasing titles; it needs more people who lead with integrity, build with purpose, and uplift others along the way.
At the end of the day, your true wealth isn’t measured by what you acquire, but by who you become — and who you help others become.
— Armen Mardirousi
Entrepreneur | Real Estate Broker | Builder of Legacies