Marcus aurelius quotes truth
My 10 Favorite Life-Guiding Quotes from the Stoic, Marcus Aurelius
ABSTRACT
Discover timeless wisdom for living a good life through the teachings of Marcus Aurelius. Dive into ten profound quotes from his Meditations, a foundational work in self-improvement and philosophy. Reflect on these quotes without external commentary, allowing your own interpretations to guide you toward a life of quality thoughts and virtuous actions.
KEYWORDS
Marcus Aurelius quotes
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
Living a good life philosophy
Self-improvement through philosophy
Ancient wisdom for modern life
Quality of thoughts
Stoic philosophy quotes
Interpreting Marcus Aurelius
Introduction
Where do you look for the answer to the question, “How do I live a good life?” Naturally, you refer to 165 AD for a perspective that transcends time. To shape my philosophical self, I’ve been reading Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations (one of the earliest self-improvement transcripts). The following ten quotes are taken directly from this great work. While I typically offer commentary on their meaning, they are left to your interpretation (everybody could use a break from a pundit).
List of Marcus Aurelius’ Quotes
“THE HAPPINESS OF YOUR LIFE DEPENDS UPON THE QUALITY OF YOUR THOUGHTS.”
“IF YOU ARE DISTRESSED BY ANYTHING EXTERNAL, THE PAIN IS NOT DUE TO THE THING ITSELF, BUT TO YOUR ESTIMATE OF IT; AND THIS YOU HAVE THE POWER TO REVOKE AT ANY MOMENT.”
“THE BEST REVENGE IS TO BE UNLIKE HIM WHO PERFORMED THE INJURY.”
“IT IS NOT DEATH THAT A MAN SHOULD FEAR, BUT HE SHOULD FEAR NEVER BEGINNING TO LIVE.”
“OUR LIFE IS WHAT OUR THOUGHTS MAKE IT.”
“IF SOMEONE IS ABLE TO SHOW ME THAT WHAT I THINK OR DO IS NOT RIGHT, I WILL HAPPILY CHANGE, FOR I SEEK THE TRUTH, BY WHICH NO ONE WAS EVER TRULY HARMED. IT IS THE PERSON WHO CONTINUES IN HIS SELF-DECEPTION AND IGNORANCE WHO IS HARMED.”
“IF IT IS NOT RIGHT DO NOT DO IT; IF IT IS NOT TRUE DO NOT SAY IT.”
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“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.”
— Marcus AureliusThere are few men who stand equal to Marcus Aurelius.
Not for what they have accomplished externally, but for the strides they have made internally.
Mastering their inner worlds.
Marcus Aurelius, emperor of Rome at the peak of the Roman Empire, is popularly known today as a central figure in the development of Stoic philosophy. Like Atlas lifting up the weight of the world, Marcus Aurelius dissected his human experience with surgical precision, all while running and ruling one of the biggest empires the world has ever seen.
And the world is all the better for it.
Now, through his recovered journals, we have insights and game plans to manage the stress, trials, and tribulations that we experience on the human roller coaster.
We’ve written extensively about Aurelius before, and for good reason: the wisdom of his words is truly timeline. As he said, what we do now echoes in eternity, and his words continue to echo our hallowed halls today, helping everyone take control of their lives and move towards mastery.
In his honor, we’ve collected 50 of his most life-affirming, Stoic quotes that will help you armor your soul and spirit.
Sit, ponder, and glean the wisdom of one of the most powerful men the world has ever seen.
Mastering the Mind
“The best answer to anger is silence.”
“Today I escaped anxiety. Or no, I discarded it, because it was within me, in my own perceptions – not outside.”
“Confine yourself to the present.”
“Nothing has such power to broaden the mind as the ability to investigate systematically and truly all that comes under thy observation in life.”
“The mind in itself has no needs, except for those it creates itself. Is undisturbed, except for its own disturbances. Knows no obstructions, except those from within.”
“If someone is incapable of distinguishing good things from bad and neutral
- Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact everything we see is a perspective, not the truth
In the face of life's inevitable challenges, finding strength and resilience is crucial. Marcus Aurelius, a renowned Stoic philosopher and Roman Emperor, left a legacy of wisdom that continues to inspire and guide many in the art of resilience. His words, steeped in Stoic philosophy, provide timeless insights into enduring life's trials with grace and fortitude. In this post, we explore the top 10 Stoic quotes by Marcus Aurelius that encapsulate the essence of resilience in Stoicism.
Top 10 Stoic Quotes on Resilience by Marcus Aurelius
1. "You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."
This quote reminds us that our true power lies in controlling our reactions, not external circumstances.
2. “The best revenge is not to be like your enemy.”
Marcus Aurelius encourages us to rise above negative influences and maintain our integrity, demonstrating resilience in character.
3. “Choose not to be harmed — and you won’t feel harmed. Don’t feel harmed — and you haven’t been.”
This quote speaks to the Stoic belief that our perception of events, more than the events themselves, determines our experience.
4. “It’s time you realized that you have something in you more powerful and miraculous than the things that affect you and make you dance like a puppet.”
Here, Aurelius highlights the immense power of the human spirit, which can triumph over external challenges.
5. “External things are not the problem. It’s your assessment of them. Which you can erase right now.”
This quote emphasizes the Stoic practice of objective judgment to maintain equanimity in the face of adversity.
6. “You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.”
Aurelius reminds us of the impermanence of life, encouraging us to live authentically and resiliently.
7. “Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself.”
This calls for self-discipline
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- Marcus aurelius quotes stoicism