Marcus Aurelius Quotes

Biography: Marcus Aurelius is known for being a Roman emperor and a Stoic philoso... more Biography: Marcus Aurelius is known for being a Roman emperor and a Stoic philosopher. He ruled from 161 to 180 AD and is celebrated for his work "Meditations," which outlines his Stoic beliefs and personal reflections. His reign is marked by military conflict and political challenges, yet he is remembered for his wisdom and leadership. less

"Everything that happens happens as it should, and if you observe carefully, you will find this to be so.""The best way to avenge yourself is to not be like your enemy.""You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength ""Look beneath the surface, let not the several quality of a thing nor its worth escape you.""It is in your power to withdraw yourself whenever you desire. Perfect tranquility within consists in the good ordering of the mind, the realm of your own.""Do not suppose you are hurt, and your complaint ceases. Cease your complaint, and you are not hurt.""Perfection of character is this: to live each day as if it were your last, without frenzy, without apathy, without pretense.""When you wake up in the morning, tell yourself: The people I deal with today will be meddling, ungrateful, arrogant, dishonest, jealous, and surly.""Look back over the past with its changing empires and you can foresee the future too.""He who fears death either fears the loss of sensation or fear.""All men are made one for another; either then teach them better or bear with them.""This is no time for playing games. Nothing is as encouraging as when virtues are visibly embodied in the people around us. How soon will time cover all things, and how many it has covered already. What is long-lasting is not necessarily eternal. Nowhere can man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul. When someone is properly grounded in life, they shouldn't have to look outside themselves for approval. To understand the true quality of people, you must look into their minds, and examine their pursuits and aversions. The universe is transformation: life is opinion. Look back over the past, with its changing empires that rose and fell, and you can foresee the future too. Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now, take what's left, and live it properly. Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking. Remind yourself that what is past is nothing. Everything that exists is in a manner the seed of that which will be. Adapt yourself to the life you have been given; and truly love the people with whom destiny has surrounded you.""People exist for one another.""Receive wealth or prosperity without arrogance; and be ready to let it go.""In a little while you will have forgotten everything; in a little while everything will have forgotten you.""No random actions, none not based on underlying principles.""Consider that before long you will be nobody and nowhere, nor will anything you now see exist, nor any of those who are now alive.""Straight, not straightened.""Whatever happens to you has been waiting to happen since the beginning of time.""You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think."

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