Whatever you want in life, other people are going to want it too.

"Whatever you want in life, other people are going to want it too. Believe in yourself enough to accept the idea that you have an equal right to it." These wise words from Diane Sawyer speak to the heart of self-worth, ambition, and the inherent equality of all people. Sawyer encourages us to acknowledge that the desires and aspirations we hold are not unique to us alone. Whatever we seek—whether it be success, happiness, or fulfillment—others also strive for these same goals. In recognizing this shared human experience, we must believe in our own right to these desires, understanding that everyone has an equal claim to the pursuit of joy and achievement.

In the ancient world, this notion was also deeply understood. The philosopher Aristotle wrote extensively on virtue and equality, believing that all humans possess the capacity for reason and greatness. For Aristotle, the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment was a fundamental right of all people, though it required cultivating virtue and living a life of purpose. He believed that humans, by their nature, are endowed with the potential for excellence, and that everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their own version of happiness, provided they do so with justice and honor. In this, he echoed the belief that self-worth is not only intrinsic but a right that should not be diminished by others.

The Stoics, such as Epictetus, also recognized that self-belief is key to living a fulfilled life. Epictetus, born a slave, wrote about the power of the mind to overcome external circumstances and to achieve freedom through the acceptance of one's inherent dignity. His philosophy taught that while we cannot control everything around us, we have full control over how we see ourselves and our worth in the world. This inner power allows us to pursue the same goals as others—whether wealth, knowledge, or personal success—without resentment or insecurity. Just as Sawyer encourages us to claim our equal right to success, Epictetus believed that the right to fulfillment is inherent in all people, regardless of their external circumstances.

The example of Mahatma Gandhi further illuminates this idea. Gandhi, though born into a relatively privileged caste in India, dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of the oppressed and marginalized. Gandhi’s belief in equality and self-worth for all individuals transcended any societal or institutional boundaries. His personal strength and belief in his own moral right to lead his people—despite facing colonial oppression and resistance—was the fuel for his success. Gandhi’s unwavering conviction that every person has an equal right to freedom and justice mirrors the essence of Sawyer’s message: no matter the obstacles, every person deserves the right to achieve their own dreams.

Similarly, Rosa Parks, through her quiet act of defiance, embodied the very essence of Sawyer’s call for self-belief and equality. Parks, a seamstress by trade, rejected the notion that she—because of her race—should accept second-class treatment. She stood her ground on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, because she believed that, as a human being, she had an equal right to sit where she chose. Parks did not wait for permission or approval; she acted on her deep conviction that her rights were no less than those of any white person. Her action sparked the Civil Rights Movement, forever altering the course of history and teaching the world that equal rights are fundamental to human dignity.

The lesson from both Sawyer’s words and the stories of Gandhi and Parks is one of empowerment and self-worth. We must learn to embrace the belief that our desires and goals are as valid as those of anyone else. While it is true that the world can be competitive, and others will seek the same things we do, we are not diminished by this. Instead, we must recognize that success and happiness are not finite resources to be hoarded by the few, but are available to all who believe in themselves and act with purpose. Just as the ancients believed in the power of individual potential, we too must trust in our right to claim what we desire and know that the universe offers boundless opportunities for those who persist in their journey.

In our own lives, we must take Sawyer’s message to heart and step forward with confidence and clarity. Self-belief is the foundation upon which all success is built. Whether pursuing career ambitions, personal relationships, or creative endeavors, we must remember that our right to these dreams is equal to that of any other person. The path to fulfillment requires courage, but it also demands that we not shy away from the belief that we are worthy of what we seek. So let us rise with the knowledge that we, too, have a rightful place in the pursuit of life’s greatest joys—not because of what we possess externally, but because of who we are within.