What makes someone truly successful? Is it a matter of wealth, status, or the number of followers they have?
According to Marcus Aurelius, one of history’s most revered Stoic philosophers, the answer probably lies much deeper.
Today, we dive into some of his most profound quotes on success and explore what we can learn from them.
Keep in mind that he was arguably the most powerful (and perhaps some might say successful) man in the world when he penned these thoughts. Also remember that he was writing to himself; most of these quotes come from his personal journals which we now know as “Meditations”.
Let’s get to it.
Marcus Aurelius Quotes On Success
“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
“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.”
“Be like the cliff against which the waves continually break; but it stands firm and tames the fury of the water around it.”
“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, and if you have the chance gently advise and calmly show him what is right…and point this out tactfully and from a universal perspective. But you must not do this with sarcasm or reproach, but lovingly and without anger in your soul.”
“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 happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your 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.”
“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love …”
“It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinion than our own.”
“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.”
Key Takeaways On What Success Looks Like For Marcus Aurelius
This is subjective, but here’s my take based on the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius:
1. Success is Mastering Your Mindset
Marcus Aurelius teaches us that true strength and success come from mastering our own minds.
He reminds us, “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
This means controlling our reactions and perceptions to shape our experiences positively, a crucial skill in today’s chaotic world.
2. Success is Treating Other with Kindness
For Marcus Aurelius, success is deeply connected to living a life of virtue. As with all Stoics, his writings suggest he believed that our actions should be guided by principles justice.
As he wrote “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, and if you have the chance gently advise and calmly show him what is right…and point this out tactfully and from a universal perspective. But you must not do this with sarcasm or reproach, but lovingly and without anger in your soul.”
He also wrote, “Men exist for the sake of one another.”
3. Success is Internal
“It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinion than our own.”
True success, according to Aurelius it seems, comes from valuing our own judgment over the approval of others.
In a world driven by social media likes and external validation, staying true to our values and beliefs is a hallmark of genuine success.
4. Success is Living in the Present
“Remember that very little is needed to make a happy life” and “When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love …” emphasizes the importance of living in the present.
Success is appreciating the here and now, rather than constantly striving for more. Mindfulness and gratitude are key practices for this.
5. Success is Positive Thinking
“Our life is what our thoughts make it” and “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”
From this, I think it’s fair to say that positive thinking was a cornerstone of success for Marcus Aurelius. By cultivating a positive mindset, we can transform our lives and navigate challenges more effectively, leading to greater happiness and fulfillment.
6. Success is Eliminating Unnecessary Desires
“Remember that very little is needed to make a happy life.”
Like most of the other Stoics it is evident that Aurelius believed that eliminating unnecessary desires leads to true contentment. By focusing on what is essential and letting go of superfluous wants, we can achieve a more serene and fulfilling life.
7. Success is Resilience
“Be like the cliff against which the waves continually break; but it stands firm and tames the fury of the water around it.”
For Aurelius, resilience is a key aspect of success. Standing firm in the face of adversity and adapting to challenges without breaking is essential for long-term success and stability.
In our modern world, where change and uncertainty are constants, resilience helps us navigate professional rejections, personal losses, and global crises with strength and grace.
Join the Conversation
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.
