When we reflect on the great thinkers of history, Marcus Aurelius stands out as a figure of immense wisdom and humility. Born in 121 AD, Marcus Aurelius ascended to the throne as Roman Emperor in 161 AD, a position he held until his death in 180 AD.
Despite the immense power and responsibility that came with ruling the vast Roman Empire, Marcus Aurelius is perhaps best remembered for his philosophical reflections, compiled in a work known as “Meditations.”
“Meditations” is not a book written for public consumption; it was a series of personal writings, a form of self-dialogue in which Marcus Aurelius recorded his thoughts, reflections, and insights on life. These writings were intended as a source of guidance and moral clarity for himself, a way to maintain his Stoic practice amidst the turmoil and challenges of leadership.
The beauty of “Meditations” lies in its sincerity and practicality. It was written by a man grappling with the same human experiences we face today—striving for virtue, dealing with adversity, and seeking inner peace.
In our age of constant distraction and external pressures, his emphasis on inner control and focusing on what we can govern—our own thoughts and actions—offers a powerful antidote to modern stress and anxiety.
From dealing with difficult people to understanding the importance of living in the moment, Marcus Aurelius’ insights can help guide us toward a more tranquil and purposeful existence.
Let’s dive in.
Marcus Aurelius On Control & Mindset
“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
“Our life is what our thoughts make it.”
“Today I escaped anxiety. Or no, I discarded it, because it was within me, in my own perceptions — not outside.”
“The soul becomes dyed with the colour of its thoughts.”
“The happiness of those who want to be popular depends on others; the happiness of those who seek pleasure fluctuates with moods outside their control; but the happiness of the wise grows out of their own free acts.”
“Choose not to be harmed—and you won’t feel harmed. Don’t feel harmed—and you haven’t been.”
“You always own the option of having no opinion. There is never any need to get worked up or to trouble your soul about things you can’t control.”
“Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself.”
Marcus Aurelius On Integrity
“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.”
“If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it.”
“Will any man despise me? Let him see to it. But I will see to it that I may not be found doing or saying anything that deserves to be despised.”
“Don’t go on discussing what a good person should be. Just be one.”
Marcus Aurelius On the morning
“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love …”
“At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: ‘I have to go to work—as a human being. What do I have to complain of, if I’m going to do what I was born for—the things I was brought into the world to do? Or is this what I was created for? To huddle under the blankets and stay warm?”
Marcus Aurelius On Adversity
“The soul becomes dyed with the colour of its thoughts.”
“Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.”
“Be like the cliff against which the waves continually break; but it stands firm and tames the fury of the water around it.”
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts; therefore guard accordingly.”
“Choose not to be harmed—and you won’t feel harmed. Don’t feel harmed—and you haven’t been.”
Marcus Aurelius On Death & the Impermanence of life
“It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.”
“Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now, take what’s left and live it properly. What doesn’t transmit light creates its own darkness.”
“Perfection of character is this: to live each day as if it were your last, without frenzy, without apathy, without pretence.”
“Soon, you will have forgotten everything. Soon, everybody will have forgotten you.”
Marcus Aurelius On Ambition and Goals
“If a man knows not to which port he sails, no wind is favorable.”
“A man’s worth is no greater than the worth of his ambitions.”
“Do every act of your life as though it were the very last act of your life.”
Marcus Aurelius On Dealing with others
“The only thing that isn’t worthless: to live this life out truthfully and rightly. And be patient with those who don’t.”
“Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.”
“Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize?”
“I have often wondered how it is that every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinion of himself than on the opinion of others.”
“When someone seems to have injured you: But how can I be sure? And in any case, keep in mind: that he’s already been tried and convicted—by himself. (Like scratching your own eyes out.) that to expect a bad person not to harm others is like expecting fig trees not to secrete juice, babies not to cry, horses not to neigh—the inevitable not to happen. What else could they do—with that sort of character? If you’re still angry, then get to work on that.”
“The best revenge is not to be like your enemy.”
“How much time he gains who does not look to see what his neighbour says or does or thinks, but only at what he does himself, to make it just and holy.”
“You always own the option of having no opinion. There is never any need to get worked up or to trouble your soul about things you can’t control. These things are not asking to be judged by you. Leave them alone.”
“Begin each day by telling yourself: Today I shall be meeting with interference, ingratitude, insolence, disloyalty, ill-will, and selfishness – all of them due to the offenders’ ignorance of what is good or evil.”
“If any man despises me, that is his problem. My only concern is not doing or saying anything deserving of contempt.”
“It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinion than our own.”
“Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself.”
“Adapt yourself to the life you have been given; and truly love the people with whom destiny has surrounded you.”
“Do not be ashamed of help.”
“Men exist for the sake of one another.”
“Kindness is unconquerable, so long as it is without flattery or hypocrisy. For what can the most insolent man do to you, if you contrive to be kind to him…”
“When men are inhuman, take care not to feel towards them as they do towards other humans.”
“Will any man despise me? Let him see to it. But I will see to it that I may not be found doing or saying anything that deserves to be despised.”
Key takeaways
Marcus Aurelius’ wisdom holds a timeless relevance that resonates deeply with our modern lives.
The practical applications of Marcus Aurelius’ teachings are manifold. His advice encourages us to focus on what we can control, let go of what we cannot, and to live each moment fully. He advocates cultivating patience with others, striving for personal excellence, and maintaining a sense of inner peace despite external circumstances.
By integrating these timeless principles into our daily routines, we can achieve a more balanced, meaningful, and resilient life.
Now it’s over to you! Share your favorite Marcus Aurelius quote in the comments below, and let us know how his wisdom has impacted your life.
Also, if you’re eager to delve deeper into Stoic philosophy, consider signing up for our newsletter to get Stoic wisdom delivered straight to your inbox.
Until next time, stay Stoic.
What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.
