Imagine being the most powerful person on the planet and instead of broadcasting your thoughts to the world, you jot them down just for yourself.
That’s exactly what Marcus Aurelius did.
He was not only one of the most powerful men in the world as Roman emperor but also a philosopher who scribbled his innermost thoughts in what we now are fortunate to know as Meditations.
Meditations was one of the first Stoic texts I ever read, and its timeless wisdom continues to inspire and guide me to this day.
Today, we’ll unpack 17 (yes, 17!) ways to lead a good life, according the Aurelius.
Trust me, these are not just ancient philosophies but practical tips that can help us find our own peace and resilience in today’s world.
01 Seek Truth
“Don’t regard things in the light in which he who does the wrong judges them, nor as he wishes you to judge them; but see them as in truth they are.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
In our daily lives, it’s easy to get swayed by others’ opinions or succumb to popular perspectives.
However, Marcus urges us to peel back the layers of hearsay and bias, and look at situations and people for what they truly are.
This advice is particularly potent today. In an era where information—and misinformation—is rampant, discerning the true nature of things can seem daunting. Yet, it’s essential for making decisions that align with our values and for maintaining authenticity in our interactions.
Strip away the external noise, focus on the facts, and let the truth guide your actions. Not only will this lead to more informed choices, but it also cultivates a sense of inner peace, knowing you’re acting based on reality, not distortion.
02 Accept That Change Is Natural
“Nature loves nothing so much as to change what it is and to create new things in their likeness.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Aurelius reminds us that just as nature flows through cycles of transformation, so too must our lives.
This perspective can be incredibly liberating in our modern lives, where stability often feels fleeting and change can be overwhelming.
Whether it’s a sudden shift in your career, a move to a new city, or changes within your family, viewing these shifts as natural—and even necessary—parts of life can reduce anxiety and open us up to new possibilities.
03 Be Brave
“Be like the headland on which the waves continually break but it stands firm and about it the boiling water sinks to sleep.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Marcus Aurelius uses the powerful image of a cliff enduring the relentless crashing of waves to symbolize bravery.
Just as the headland withstands the sea’s fury, we too must stand firm when faced with life’s challenges and adversities.
It’s about being resilient in the face of stress or turmoil, not allowing external pressures to sway us from our path or disturb our peace.
04 Master Your Emotions
“Are you angry with the man whose person or whose breath is rank? What will anger profit you?” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Marcus Aurelius challenges us to consider the utility of our emotional reactions—what do we really gain from anger for example?
This rhetorical question invites us to reflect on how often our emotions serve us, versus how it might simply exacerbate the situation.
Mastering your emotions doesn’t mean suppressing them. Instead, Marcus advocates for acknowledging our feelings but controlling our responses. This self-control is crucial; it prevents us from making impulsive decisions or saying things we might later regret.
In our daily lives, whether it’s a confrontation with a colleague or frustration in traffic, applying this Stoic principle can lead to more peaceful and productive outcomes.
It’s about choosing response over reaction, ensuring that our emotions don’t cloud our judgement but rather inform our decisions with calm and clarity.
05 Maintain Integrity
Whatever anyone may do or say, I am bound to be good.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
For Marcus Aurelius, integrity was non-negotiable. He firmly believed that regardless of others’ actions or words, one’s commitment to being virtuous and good should remain unwavering.
This means doing the right thing even when it’s difficult or when no one is watching. It’s about aligning your actions with your values consistently, not just when it’s convenient. This steadfastness builds a strong character and earns the respect of others.
06 Be Grateful for What You Have
“Do not think of what are absent as though they were not existing, but ponder on the most fortunate of what you have got, and on account of them remind yourself how they would have been missed, if they had not been here.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Marcus Aurelius often emphasized gratitude as a fundamental part of living a good life.
He encourages us to shift our focus from what we lack to what we possess, appreciating the value of the present blessings rather than lamenting what’s missing.
Practicing gratitude can transform our everyday experiences. It allows us to find joy in the ordinary and strengthens our resilience by reminding us of our resources during tough times.
For instance, being thankful for the support of friends and family can be a powerful antidote to feelings of isolation or adversity.
Incorporating gratitude into your daily routine can be as simple as keeping a gratitude journal or taking a moment each day to reflect on a few things you’re thankful for.
07 Don't Let an Uncertain Future Disturb Your Now
“Let not the future trouble you; for you will come to it, if come you must, bearing with you the same reason which you are using now to meet the present.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
This Stoic principle is especially relevant in our modern world, where future anxieties can easily overwhelm us. Whether it’s stress about career progress, relationships, or global events, the tendency to fret about the unknown can be paralyzing.
The key to embracing this aspect of Stoicism is to focus on the present—engaging fully with the current moment and using your energy to act rather than worry. When you concentrate on the present, you build the strength and wisdom needed to face whatever the future holds.
08 Be Genuinely Kind
“Gentleness is invincible, if it be genuine and not sneering or hypocritical. For what can the most insolent do to you, if you continue gentle to him, and, if opportunity allows, mildly admonish him and quietly show him a better way at the very moment when he attempts to do you injury.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
This advice resonates deeply in today’s often contentious world. It challenges us to rethink how we react to others’ negative behaviors.
Instead of meeting hostility with hostility, Marcus encourages us to remain composed and kind, providing a calm example that can potentially guide others towards better behavior.
Practicing this kind of stoic kindness means choosing to engage with the world in a way that reflects our highest selves. It involves patience, understanding, and sometimes the courage to guide someone gently when they seem determined to oppose or undermine us.
09 Live Your Own Life
“Do not waste the balance of life left to you in thought about other persons, when you are not referring to some advantage of your fellows.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Marcus Aurelius urges us to focus on living our own lives rather than becoming preoccupied with the actions or opinions of others.
But in our modern, interconnected world, it’s easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to others or getting distracted by what others are doing. Social media amplifies this tendency, often leading us to spend more time observing others’ lives than engaging with our own.
By concentrating on our own path, however, we can achieve more and feel more content with our progress, without the noise of external comparisons.
So, the next time you find yourself scrolling through social media or fretting over someone else’s opinion, remember to refocus on your own journey.
10 Retreat into Yourself For Peace
“Men look for retreats for themselves, the country, the sea shore, the hills; and you yourself, too, are peculiarly accustomed to feel that same want. Yet this is very unlike a philosopher, when you may at any hour retreat into yourself.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
This Stoic principle teaches us that no matter where we are, we can always find a refuge by turning inward.
This internal retreat is about connecting with our own thoughts, reflecting on our values, and grounding ourselves in what truly matters. It’s about cultivating a mental space where we can escape the chaos of everyday life and find clarity and tranquility.
Incorporating moments of internal reflection into our daily routines can be incredibly powerful. Whether it’s through meditation, journaling, or simply taking a few minutes to breathe and be present, these practices allow us to center ourselves and approach life’s challenges with a calmer, more balanced perspective.
11 Aim to Understand
When a man offends against you, think at once what conception of good or ill it was which made him offend. And seeing this, you will pity him, and feel neither surprise nor anger.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Marcus Aurelius teaches us the value of empathy and understanding in our interactions with others.
Instead of reacting with anger or surprise when someone behaves poorly towards us, he urges us to consider their perspective—what beliefs or misconceptions led them to act this way?
By doing so, we can replace judgment with understanding and even pity, recognizing that their actions are often based on their own struggles or false beliefs.
12 See the Good in Those Around You
“Whenever you desire to cheer yourself, think upon the merits of those who are alive with you; the energy of one, for instance, the modesty of another, the generosity of a third, of another some other gift.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
This practice of seeking out and celebrating the good qualities in people can profoundly impact our relationships and overall happiness. It encourages a positive feedback loop where kindness and appreciation are reciprocated, strengthening bonds and building trust.
In a world that often focuses on flaws and mistakes, choosing to highlight the positive aspects of those around us can be a refreshing change. It shifts our perspective from criticism and negativity to one of gratitude and positivity.
13 Remember, We Are All in This Together
“One thing gives joy to one man, another to another; it is my joy if I keep my governing self intact, not turning my back on any human being nor on anything that befalls men, but seeing everything with kind eyes. Have I done a neighbourly act? I am thereby benefited. Let this always be ready to your mind.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Marcus Aurelius reminds us of the interconnectedness of human experiences and the shared nature of our joys and struggles.
He emphasizes that by maintaining our composure and kindness, and by actively participating in the betterment of others’ lives, we not only benefit those around us but also enrich our own lives.
This Stoic principle encourages us to view life as a collective journey, where each act of kindness and understanding contributes to a larger, communal well-being.
It’s a call to recognize our role in a bigger network of relationships and to act with a sense of responsibility towards the common good.
In today’s world, where individualism often takes precedence, Marcus’s words inspire us to think about how our actions affect others. They urge us to be considerate and to foster a sense of community and solidarity, whether in our local environments or in the global arena.
14 Be a Walker, Not a Talker
“Don’t any more discuss at large what the good man is like, but be good.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Marcus Aurelius cuts straight to the heart of personal development with this straightforward command. He urges us to shift our focus from endless discussions about virtue to actually embodying those virtues in our daily lives.
In our contemporary setting, where opinions are plentiful and easily shared, especially on social media, it’s easy to get caught up in talking about values or ideals without taking concrete steps to live by them.
Marcus’s reminder serves as a powerful call to align our actions with our stated beliefs, reinforcing that authenticity is demonstrated through consistent behavior, not just through dialogue or debate.
15 Be "Indifferent to What is Indifferent"
Stoics essentially believed that only our own actions, decisions, and reactions are truly within our control, and these are the aspects of life that should concern us the most.
In embracing this principle, we learn to focus on maintaining our character and making reasoned choices, regardless of external events. This approach helps us build resilience against the inevitable ups and downs of life, enabling us to remain stable and composed even in turbulent times.
To start, try to identify areas in your life where external factors cause undue stress or distraction. Reflect on how these might be viewed with indifference, and how such a perspective might free up energy and attention for the things that truly count.
16 Trust Your Judgement
“I often wonder how it is that every one loves himself more than all the world and yet takes less account of his own judgement of himself than of the judgement of the world.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Marcus Aurelius reflects on a common human paradox: the tendency to value our own well-being above all else, yet frequently disregarding our own judgement in favor of others’ opinions.
He encourages us to trust our own assessments and convictions more deeply, suggesting that self-trust is crucial for living authentically and making decisions that are truly in line with our personal values and beliefs.
17 "If it is not right, don't do it; if it is not true, don't say it"
Aurelius provides a succinct but powerful guideline for ethical behavior: “If it is not right, don’t do it; if it is not true, don’t say it.”
This directive encourages us to live with honesty and integrity, ensuring that our actions and words align with the highest standards of truth and morality.
In practicing this principle, we are called to continually assess our motivations and the consequences of our actions. It prompts a self-reflective approach where we question not just the potential success of our actions, but their righteousness and truthfulness.
By committing to this level of integrity, we not only uphold our own values but also contribute to a more honest and ethical world.
Before you go
I sincerely hope that this exploration of Aurelius’s advice has provided you with valuable insights for living a good life according to Stoic principles.
If you found these teachings helpful and wish to delve deeper into Stoic wisdom, I encourage you to sign up for our newsletter below. It’s totally free and we’ll just send regular insights and reflections that can help you cultivate a more resilient and virtuous life.
Thank you for reading!
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.
