To live happily is an inward power of the soul.
— Meditations, Book Five
Happiness is portrayed as an inner state rather than depending on external circumstances, emphasizing self-sufficiency for well-being.
Historical Figure
Marcus Aurelius Quotes
Roman emperor's personal reflections on Stoic philosophy and leadership
15 Curated Quotes
The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.
— Meditations, Book Five
Aurelius speaks to overcoming obstacles by embracing them as part of the journey, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
— Chapter 9
Marcus reflects on the Stoic teaching of focusing on what one can control.
Nowhere can man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul
— Meditations, Book IV
Marcus highlights the tranquility and retreat one can cultivate within themselves, away from external chaos.
If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it, and this you have the power to revoke at any moment
— Meditations, Book VIII
This insight encourages self-awareness and the realization that personal perceptions shape emotional responses.
The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.
— Book 4, Section 3
Marcus underscores the importance of monitoring one's mental habits.
The best revenge is not to be like your enemy.
— Book 6, Section 6
Marcus advises on adopting a virtuous path instead of one of retaliation.
When you arise in the morning, think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love
— Meditations, Book II
Here, Marcus Aurelius emphasizes gratitude for the opportunity to experience life and the fundamental pleasures it offers.
Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.
— Meditations, Book Six
Marcus Aurelius reflects on perceptions and how they shape our understanding, urging a more critical examination of our surroundings.
The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.
— Meditations, Book Four
Aurelius warns against blindly following the majority or popular opinion, encouraging personal reflection and sanity.
Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.
— Book 10, Section 16
A call to action to embody virtues instead of merely debating them.
Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.
— Meditations, Book Seven
This quote touches on the interconnectedness of life and encourages appreciation for the universe's beauty and mystery.
The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts
— Meditations, Book V
This quote signifies that one's mindset and thought processes deeply influence their character and actions.
What we do now echoes in eternity.
— Book 4, Section 33
Stresses the lasting impact of one's actions and legacy beyond immediate time.
It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live
— Meditations, Book XII
Marcus encourages the reader to focus on living life fully rather than fearing inevitable mortality.