If you’re searching for motivation to weather tough times, find purpose, or boost productivity, you’re in the right place.
We’ve curated a list of the ultimate Stoic motivational quotes. Get ready for a dose of deep insight and powerful inspiration.
Let’s get started.
Marcus Aurelius Motivational Quotes
“If a man knows not to which port he sails, no wind is favorable.”
“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?”
“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.”
“It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.”
“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.”
“Do every act of your life as though it were the very last act of your life.”
“If any man despises me, that is his problem. My only concern is not doing or saying anything deserving of contempt.”
“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.”
“Be like the cliff against which the waves continually break; but it stands firm and tames the fury of the water around it.”
“Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself.”
Epictetus Motivational Quotes
“Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.”
“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”
“If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.”
“How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself and in no instance bypass the discriminations of reason? You have been given the principles that you ought to endorse, and you have endorsed them. What kind of teacher, then, are you still waiting for in order to refer your self-improvement to him? You are no longer a boy, but a full-grown man. If you are careless and lazy now and keep putting things off and always deferring the day after which you will attend to yourself, you will not notice that you are making no progress, but you will live and die as someone quite ordinary.”
“Freedom is the only worthy goal in life. It is won by disregarding things that lie beyond our control.”
“Circumstances don’t make the man, they only reveal him to himself.”
“I laugh at those who think they can damage me. They do not know who I am, they do not know what I think, they cannot even touch the things which are really mine and with which I live.”
“Now is the time to get serious about living your ideals. How long can you afford to put off who you really want to be? Your nobler self cannot wait any longer. Put your principles into practice – now. Stop the excuses and the procrastination
“No man is free who is not master of himself. A man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things.”
“A ship should not ride on a single anchor, nor life on a single hope”
“It is better to die of hunger having lived without grief and fear, than to live with a troubled spirit, amid abundance”
No great thing is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig, I answer that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen.”
“Difficulty shows what men are.”
“There is no shame in making an honest effort.”
Seneca Motivational Quotes
“True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing. The greatest blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach. A wise man is content with his lot, whatever it may be, without wishing for what he has not.”
“Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.”
“If a man knows not to which port he sails, no wind is favorable.”
“Putting things off is the biggest waste of life: it snatches away each day as it comes, and denies us the present by promising the future. The greatest obstacle to living is expectancy, which hangs upon tomorrow, and loses today. You are arranging what lies in Fortune’s control, and abandoning what lies in yours. What are you looking at? To what goal are you straining? The whole future lies in uncertainty: live immediately.”
“Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power.”
“It does not matter how many books you have, but how good the books are which you have.”
“To be everywhere is to be nowhere.”
“Gold tests with fire, woman with gold, man with woman”
“Each day acquire something that will fortify you against poverty, against death, indeed against other misfortunes as well; and after you have run over many thoughts, select one to be thoroughly digested that day.”
“Fidelity purchased with money, money can destroy.”
“While we are postponing, life speeds by”
“Expecting is the greatest impediment to living. In anticipation of tomorrow, it loses today.”
Key Takeaways
1. The Power of the Mind
As Marcus Aurelius said, “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” The lesson? It’s easy to feel victimized by circumstances, but remember that our reactions are within our control. For example, if a project at work doesn’t go as planned, instead of blaming situations or people, focus on finding solutions and learning from the experience.
2. Embrace the Present:
Seneca’s words, “True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future,” remind us to live in the moment. In today’s fast-paced world, we’re often preoccupied with what’s next—be it the next meeting, the next goal, or the next purchase. However, genuine contentment lies in appreciating what we have right now.
3. Self-Mastery is Freedom:
Epictetus stated that “No man is free who is not master of himself.” Freedom doesn’t just mean political or social liberties. It also means being in control of your thoughts, emotions, and actions. This could be as simple as resisting the urge to scroll through social media mindlessly or as significant as overcoming a toxic habit.
4. Resilience in the Face of Difficulties
Seneca taught us that “Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.” Challenges are not obstacles but opportunities for growth. When faced with adversity—be it a personal loss or a global pandemic—remember that it’s an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser.
5. The Importance of Direction
Marcus Aurelius noted, “If a man knows not to which port he sails, no wind is favorable.” Having a clear goal or purpose gives direction to our actions and decisions. In this era of endless opportunities and distractions, knowing what you truly want—a fulfilling career, a healthy lifestyle, meaningful relationships—can make all the difference.
6. Live Your Ideals
Epictetus urged us to “Put your principles into practice – now.” It’s one thing to believe in kindness, honesty, or hard work; it’s another to live by these values consistently. For instance, if you value health, make regular exercise and nutritious eating a part of your lifestyle today.
7. Life is Fleeting
As Seneca wisely put it, “While we are postponing, life speeds by.” The modern world with its conveniences can lead us to procrastinate and delay our ambitions. However, remember that life is fleeting, and every moment is precious. Whether it’s starting a passion project or expressing love to your dear ones, do it now.
Join the Conversation
Stoicism is a journey, not a destination. It’s about continuous learning, deep reflection, and practical application. And there’s so much more wisdom to uncover!
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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.
