Ever felt the weight of the world on your shoulders and found solace in a few wise words?
If so, you’re not alone. And many find it in Stoicism, more specifically in the words of Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor whose reflections in his “Meditations” have transcended time, offering guidance on resilience, virtue, and the human condition.
Today, we dive into 30+ of his most powerful quotes. How many do you know?
Let’s get to it.
30+ of the most powerful marcus aurelius quotes
“Do every act of your life as though it were the very last act of your life.”
“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
“A man’s worth is no greater than the worth of his ambitions.”
“Be like the cliff against which the waves continually break; but it stands firm and tames the fury of the water around it.”
“Today I escaped anxiety. Or no, I discarded it, because it was within me, in my own perceptions — not outside.”
“Soon, you will have forgotten everything. Soon, everybody will have forgotten you.”
“Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.”
“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.”
“Our life is what our thoughts make it.”
“Choose not to be harmed—and you won’t feel harmed. Don’t feel harmed—and you haven’t been.”
“How much more grievous are the consequences of anger than the causes of it.”
“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love …”
“Remember that very little is needed to make a happy life.”
“Because your own strength is unequal to the task, do not assume that it is beyond the powers of man; but if anything is within the powers and province of man, believe that it is within your own compass also.”
“The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury.”
“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.”
“The only thing that isn’t worthless: to live this life out truthfully and rightly. And be patient with those who don’t.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Men exist for the sake of one another.”
“Kindness is unconquerable, so long as it is without flattery or hypocrisy”
“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.”
“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?”
“Perfection of character is this: to live each day as if it were your last, without frenzy, without apathy, without pretence.”
“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.”
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts; therefore guard accordingly.”
“Time is like a river made up of the events which happen, and a violent stream; for as soon as a thing has been seen, it is carried away, and another comes in its place, and this will be carried away too.”
“Confine yourself to the present.”
“If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it.”
“Don’t go on discussing what a good person should be. Just be one.”
5 Key Takeaways
01 Embrace Adversity
Marcus Aurelius encourages us to face challenges with resilience and inner strength.
“Be like the cliff against which the waves continually break; but it stands firm and tames the fury of the water around it.”
This is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced world where setbacks and failures are common. Embracing adversity and standing firm can help us navigate through these tough times and emerge stronger.
02 Cultivate Inner Peace
“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
This quote highlights the importance of controlling our reactions to external events.
In the age of social media, where we are constantly bombarded with information and opinions, maintaining inner peace can be challenging. By focusing on our own thoughts and reactions, we can navigate the noise and maintain our mental well-being.
03 Value the Present
We so often get caught up in worrying about the future or dwelling on the past.
Aurelius reminds us to live in the moment with quotes like “Confine yourself to the present.”
Practicing mindfulness and being present can improve our mental health and help us appreciate the small joys in life, like spending quality time with loved ones or enjoying a peaceful walk in nature.
04 Pursue Personal Integrity
“If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it.” This quote underscores the importance of integrity and honesty.
In professional settings, for instance, maintaining ethical standards and being truthful in our dealings can build trust and respect. Whether in the workplace or personal life, acting with integrity ensures that our actions align with our values and principles.
05 Practice Gratitude and Contentment
In a consumer-driven society, it is easy to equate happiness with material possessions.
However, true contentment often comes from appreciating what we already have. Marcus Aurelius tells us:
“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love …”
Practicing gratitude can shift our focus from what we lack to what we cherish, fostering a sense of fulfillment and joy. This can be as simple as keeping a gratitude journal or taking a moment each day to reflect on positive experiences.
Join The Conversation
Feeling inspired by Marcus Aurelius? If these quotes resonated with you, why not join our Stoic email newsletter?
You’ll receive weekly insights, reflections, and practical tips on how to apply Stoic wisdom to your everyday life. It’s a great way to keep the Stoic spirit alive and thriving in our modern world.
We’d also love to hear from you! What are your favorite Marcus Aurelius quotes? How do you incorporate Stoic principles into your life? Share your thoughts and insights in the comments section below.
As always, 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.
