30 Great Marcus Aurelius Quotes – Timeless Wisdom
Last updated on October 14th, 2024 at 02:35 pm
Introduction to the 30 Greatest Marcus Aurelius Quotes
Is it possible that the wisdom of an ancient Roman emperor can be used to guide you through today’s challenges? Well surprisingly, the answer is a resounding, yes!
Marcus Aurelius, was a Roman emperor from 161 AD to 180 AD and a stoic philosopher, who left behind a treasure trove of wisdom in his writings. His teachings have endured for centuries, offering valuable insights for those seeking a better life today.
Read on to discover the 30 greatest Marcus Aurelius quotes that can help you cultivate resilience, wisdom, and inner peace.
TL;DR
Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher.
His main work, “Meditations,” is a collection of personal reflections and guidance.
These 30 greatest Marcus Aurelius quotes highlight his teachings on resilience, self-discipline, and wisdom.
Applying these quotes to your daily life can lead to greater inner peace and clarity.
Affiliate Disclaimer
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our mission to provide you with valuable content.This is an info alert.
Who is Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius, born in 121 AD, was the last of the Five Good Emperors of Rome. His reign was marked by military conflict, plague, and political strife, yet he remained dedicated to the principles of Stoicism.
Stoicism, is a philosophy that teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions, was the foundation of his life and rule.
His work “Meditations,” was a collection of his personal notes and philosophical reflections, offering insight into his Stoic practices and inner struggles.
When I have read ‘Meditations’, I found his work to be extremely thought provoking and comforting, and it is included on my list of the Best Self Help Books for men.
30 Greatest Powerful Marcus Aurelius Quotes
1 – “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
2 – “Our life is what our thoughts make it.”
3 – “The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury.”
How to apply: Instead of reacting negatively to someone who wronged you, focus on your own behavior. Lead by example and rise above pettiness. This will not only help you maintain your integrity but also distance you from negativity.
4 – “It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.”
5 – “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”
6 – “If it is not right, do not do it; if it is not true, do not say it.”
How to apply: Make a list of things you’ve always wanted to do but have been putting off. Start taking small steps toward those goals each day. Don’t wait for a “perfect” time; it will never come. Start living now.
7 – “He who lives in harmony with himself lives in harmony with the universe.”
8 – “Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.”
9 – “The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.”
10 – “Look well into yourself; there is a source of strength which will always spring up if you will always look.”
11 – “Do not act as if you were going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be good.”
12 – “The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.”
How to apply: Surround yourself with positive influences and practice positive self-talk. Be aware of negative thoughts and actively replace them with constructive ones to shape a healthier mindset.
13 – “The only wealth which you will keep forever is the wealth you have given away.”
14 – “Loss is nothing else but change, and change is Nature’s delight.”
15 – “Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.”
How to apply: Approach conversations and disagreements with an open mind. Recognize that everyone has their own perspective, and seek to understand before judging or reacting.
16 – “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”
17 – “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.”
18 – “To live happily is an inward power of the soul.”
19 – “No man is happy who does not think himself so.”
20 – “You are a little soul carrying around a corpse.”
21 – “Time is like a river made up of the events which happen, and a violent stream; for as soon as a thing has been seen, it is carried away, and another comes in its place, and this will be carried away too.”
How to apply: Stay present and don’t dwell on the past or future. Live fully in each moment, knowing that everything is in a constant state of flux.
22 – “Do every act of your life as though it were the very last act of your life.”
23 – “If someone is able to show me that what I think or do is not right, I will happily change, for I seek the truth, by which no one was ever truly harmed.”
24 – “The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing.”
How to apply: Prepare for life’s challenges by building resilience. Understand that life requires effort and struggle, and meet it with strength and perseverance.
25 – “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.”
26 – “Begin – to begin is half the work, let half still remain; again begin this, and thou wilt have finished.”
27 – “Death is a release from the impressions of the senses, and from desires that make us their puppets, and from the vagaries of the mind, and the hard service of the flesh.”
28 – “Nowhere can man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul.”
29 – “A man’s worth is no greater than his ambitions.”
30 – “Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.”
How to Apply Marcus Aurelius Quotes Today
Marcus Aurelius quotes hold a huge amount of wisdom, although ancient, it is remarkably relatable and applicable to our daily lives. Here are some practical ways to integrate his quotes into your daily routine:
Mind Over Matter
Reflect on the quote, “You have power over your mind – not outside events,” when facing challenges. Instead of reacting to external situations, focus on controlling your response.
Live with Integrity
“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.” This quote serves as a reminder to embody the values you admire. When making decisions, ask yourself, “What would a good person do?”
Embrace Change
When dealing with unexpected changes, remember, “Loss is nothing else but change, and change is nature’s delight.” Accepting change as a natural part of life can reduce stress and anxiety.
I also like to write down a few of my favorite quotes and place them where I can see them, like on my desk and my bathroom mirror. It helps to reinforce these timeless teachings throughout my day.
FAQ
Q: What is Marcus Aurelius best known for?
Marcus Aurelius is best known for his work “Meditations,” a series of personal reflections that offer profound insights into Stoic philosophy.
Q: Why is Marcus Aurelius considered a Stoic philosopher?
Marcus Aurelius practiced and promoted Stoicism, which emphasizes self-control, rational thinking, and the acceptance of fate.
Q: How can I start practicing Stoicism?
Begin by reading “Meditations” and applying its principles, such as focusing on what you can control and maintaining inner calm, to your daily life.
Other Great Quotes
Great Alexander the Great Quotes
Great Fyodor Dostoevsky Quotes
Great Henry David Thoreau Quotes
Other Great Resources
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marcus-Aurelius-Roman-emperor
https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Marcus_Aurelius
Conclusion
Marcus Aurelius quotes offer wisdom that can enable us to create a roadmap for navigating life’s challenges with good grace, resourcefulness and fortitude.
His quotes remind us that while we cannot control everything, however we can control our responses to them. By applying his teachings, we can cultivate resilience, wisdom, and inner peace in a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable.
The timeless nature of his insights proves that true wisdom transcends the ages.
