Table of Contents
Introduction
Marcus Aurelius (121 – 180) was a prominent figure in ancient Roman history, renowned for his dual character as a Stoic philosopher and emperor.
While Marcus Aurelius is famed for his leadership during a turbulent time in the Roman Empire’s history, he is best known for his philosophical writings, collected in the book “Meditations.”
Marcus Aurelius’ philosophy is strongly influenced by Stoicism. It focuses on controlling what you can – your thoughts and actions – and accepting what you can’t – fate, external events, and other people’s behavior. This approach to life is aimed at achieving inner peace and living virtuously.
In this blog post, I’ve shared 61 Marcus Aurelius quotes on life, love, death, discipline, leadership & mind along with their analysis. So, let’s enlighten ourselves with the wisdom of this legendary philosopher.
16 Best Marcus Aurelius Quotes on Life
When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive to breathe, think, enjoy, and love.
Marcus Aurelius
Let men see, let them know, a real man, who lives as he was meant to live.
Marcus Aurelius
Do not indulge in dreams of having what you have not, but reckon up the chief of the blessings you do possess, and then thankfully remember how you would crave for them if they were not yours.
Marcus Aurelius
The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.
Marcus Aurelius
Brief Analysis
The quote by Marcus Aurelius is like a gentle reminder that the happiness we experience in life isn’t just luck or fate; it depends upon the thoughts we put into our minds. Of course, we can’t always control what happens to us, but we can control how we react to it.
He believes that the quality of our thoughts is about what we choose to focus on and how we interpret the world around us. It’s about training our minds to see the beauty in every moment and to find joy in the little things.
Now, that’s not to say we should suppress negative emotions as they’re a natural part of being human. But by intentionally cultivating more positive thoughts, we can shift the balance toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
So, the next time you catch yourself feeling down or discontented, remember, that we hold the key to the happiness of our life, right there in the quality of our thoughts.
Also Read: 32 Iconic Socrates Quotes on Life, Death & Wisdom (Examined)
Adapt yourself to the life you have been given; and truly love the people with whom destiny has surrounded you.
Marcus Aurelius
To live a good life: we have the potential for it. If we learn to be indifferent to what makes no difference.
Marcus Aurelius
Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them. Think constantly on the changes of the elements into each other, for such thoughts wash away the dust of earthly life.
Marcus Aurelius
Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now take what’s left and live it properly.
Marcus Aurelius
Brief Analysis
When we consider ourselves as if we’ve already lived our life, it’s like we’re taking a step back and examining our life as a whole. We’re encouraged to reflect on our past actions, experiences, and decisions as if they’re already behind us.
Now, let’s think about what’s left. This is the part of our life that’s still unwritten, the chapters waiting to be filled with new adventures, achievements, and connections.
Living “properly” in this context means living with intention and purpose. It’s about making the most of the time we have left, not worrying about the things that don’t truly matter to us. It’s about being true to ourselves.
In short, this short Marcus Aurelius quote suggests to live our life in a way that honors the time we have, to make the most of every moment. It’s a call to live fully and with a sense of purpose, knowing that every day is an opportunity to create something meaningful.
Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.
Marcus Aurelius
It is not death that man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.
Marcus Aurelius
Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself in your way of thinking.
Marcus Aurelius
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.
Marcus Aurelius
Brief Analysis
Marcus Aurelius believed that the most important thing is to avoid losing our sense of what’s right and what’s wrong, even if it means not fitting in with the majority. The phrase “object of life” means the goal we should strive for as humans.
Life is not about just going along with what everyone else is doing. We should cultivate our own moral compass even if it means standing alone against the tide of popular opinion.
When he talks about the “insane”, he mentions anyone who loses sight of what’s really important in life and gets caught up in chasing after things that don’t matter. We should avoid this kind of mindless following.
In essence, this famous Marcus Aurelius saying reminds us that the ultimate measure of a meaningful life lies not in how well we conform to the expectations of others, but in staying true to ourselves and our values.
Look well into thyself; there is a source of strength which will always spring up if thou wilt always look.
Marcus Aurelius
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.
Marcus Aurelius
The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.
Marcus Aurelius
Life is short — the fruit of this life is a good character and acts for the common good.
Marcus Aurelius
Brief Analysis
By the phrase “Life is short,” Marcus Aurelius tells us that life is a precious gift but it’s also fleeting. We’re all given limited amounts of time to do our thing, to make our mark on the world.
He believed that the real fruit of our existence isn’t about gaining fame. But the real treasure is building a solid character and doing good stuff for everyone around us.
We should try to be decent human beings and make the world a better place for everyone. Because when we focus on building up our character and doing good deeds, we leave behind a legacy that’s way more meaningful than any fancy title.
So yeah, life might be short, but if we spend our time cultivating a good character and spreading positivity wherever we go, then we’re really living life to the fullest, just like this Marcus Aurelius quote indicates.
10 Marcus Aurelius Quotes on Love
Not to display anger or other emotions. To be free of passion and yet full of love.
Marcus Aurelius
Brief Analysis
Sometimes, it’s natural to react with anger or frustration in a challenging situation. But we should pause and consider a different approach. Marcus here encourages us to practice emotional control and resilience.
This doesn’t mean suppressing our emotions or pretending they don’t exist. It means acknowledging them without letting them control us.
Life should not be devoid of feelings, of course. Instead, it’s about not being consumed by our desires and impulses. It’s about finding a balance where we’re not slaves to our emotions but still capable of experiencing love, compassion, and joy.
We should find that sweet spot where we’re not overwhelmed by emotions but still fully engaged with the world. So, in essence, this quote about love by Marcus Aurelius is a powerful reminder that true strength lies in mastering ourselves.
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.
Marcus Aurelius
Observe constantly that all things take place by change, and accustom thyself to consider that the nature of the Universe loves nothing so much as to change the things which are, and to make new things like them.
Marcus Aurelius
I have often wondered how it is that every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinions of himself than on the opinions of others.
Marcus Aurelius
It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinions than our own.
Marcus Aurelius
Brief Analysis
As humans, we have this natural inclination to really, really love ourselves. But still, we tend to care a lot about what other people think of us. Sometimes, we even value their thoughts more than our own.
Marcus Aurelius believed that true happiness and fulfillment come from within, not from seeking validation from others. We should take a step back and really think about where we place our worth.
Sure, it’s important to maintain the balance between self-love and self-reliance. It’s great to love ourselves, but we shouldn’t let it blind us to the importance of trusting our own judgment and staying true to who we are, regardless of what others think.
In a nutshell, this quote by Marcus Aurelius suggests us to embrace that self-love, but also trust ourselves and our own instincts. As true happiness lies in being true to ourselves, regardless of the opinions of others.
Also Read: 99 Ralph Waldo Emerson Quotes on Success, Self-reliance, Life, Nature, & Happiness (Explained)
Love the little trade which thou hast learned, and be content therewith.
Marcus Aurelius
Love only what befalls you and is spun for you by fate.
Marcus Aurelius
Adapt yourself to the things among which your lot has been cast and love sincerely the fellow creatures with whom destiny has ordained that you shall live.
Marcus Aurelius
We come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.
Marcus Aurelius
Brief Analysis
You see, perfection is an elusive concept, especially when it comes to human beings. No one is flawless; we all have our strengths and weaknesses.
So, if we approach love with the expectation of finding someone who is flawless, we’ll likely be
disappointed. Instead, Marcus Aurelius encourages us to embrace imperfection and recognize the beauty and humanity in the other person.
We should not fall in love by finding someone flawless. Instead, we should learn to love by seeing someone’s imperfections perfectly.
In short, this Marcus Aurelius love quote makes us realize that love grows stronger when we accept people for who they truly are, not for who we wish they were.
Be not disgusted, nor discouraged, nor dissatisfied, if thou dost not succeed in doing everything according to right principles; but when thou bast failed, return back again, and be content if the greater part of what thou doest is consistent with man’s nature, and love this to which thou returnest.
Marcus Aurelius
12 Marcus Aurelius Quotes on Death
It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.
Marcus Aurelius
Brief Analysis
Let’s think deeply about the essence of our existence. It’s not the end that should scare us the most, but rather the thought of not fully embracing life while we have the chance.
We all have dreams, passions, and desires, of course. But sometimes, we let fear or hesitation hold us back from chasing those dreams. We get out of our comfort zones, and we forget to truly live.
But, we shouldn’t let fear dictate our lives. Marcus tells us that the real tragedy isn’t dying, but it’s never really living in the first place. After all, none of us wants to regret not taking chances and living life to the fullest on our deathbeds.
In essence, these words by Marcus Aurelius suggest us to take chances, chase our dreams, and make the most of every moment. We should embrace life with open arms and live each day as if it were our last.
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 from the hard service of the flesh.
Marcus Aurelius
That which has died falls not out of the universe. If it stays here, it also changes here, and is dissolved into its proper parts, which are elements of the universe and of thyself. And these too change, and they murmur not.
Marcus Aurelius
We must make haste then, not only because we are daily nearer to death, but also because the conception of things and the understanding of them cease first.
Marcus Aurelius
In everything that you do, pause and ask yourself if death is a dreadful thing because it deprives you of this.
Marcus Aurelius
Brief Analysis
Just imagine hitting the pause button on life for a second. Marcus Aurelius believed that by doing this regularly, we can learn to be okay with the fact that nothing lasts forever.
It’s not about feeling gloomy or afraid all the time. Instead, he’s saying that if we can accept that nothing lasts forever, we can appreciate the good moments even more.
Death is the ultimate reality of everything. So, we should realize that life is short and precious, so every moment needs to be appreciated.
This Marcus Aurelius quote about death tells us to keep asking ourselves if we’re allowing the fear of death to overshadow our appreciation for the present moment. We should live life fully, knowing that each experience is precious in its impermanence.
Meditate upon what you ought to be in body and soul when death overtakes you; meditate on the brevity of life, and the measureless gulf of eternity behind it and before, and upon the frailty of everything material.
Marcus Aurelius
Death hangs over thee. While thou livest, while it is in thy power, be good.
Marcus Aurelius
Can we wonder that men perish and are forgotten, when their noblest and most enduring works decay? Death comes even to monumental structures, and oblivion rests on the most illustrious names.
Marcus Aurelius
The constant recollection of death is the test of human conduct.
Marcus Aurelius
Brief Analysis
Keeping death in mind can actually be a powerful motivator. Knowing that our time here is finite can push us to make the most of every moment, to live with purpose.
Imagine that we know we only have a certain amount of time left, wouldn’t we want to spend that time doing things that truly matter, and making a positive impact on the world around us?
Marcus Aurelius believes that by constantly reminding ourselves of our mortality, we can better prioritize what’s truly important in life. It would keep us focused on what really matters.
In essence, this death quote by Marcus Aurelius is encouraging us to live with intention, to make each day count. We should strive to be the best version of ourselves.
Also Read: 110 Confucius Quotes on Life, Love, Wisdom, Education & Success (Analyzed)
Think not disdainfully of death, but look on it with favor; for even death is one of the things that Nature wills.
Marcus Aurelius
Despise not death, but welcome it, for nature wills it like all else.
Marcus Aurelius
Everything is ephemeral, both that which remembers and that which is remembered.
Marcus Aurelius
11 Marcus Aurelius Quotes on Leadership
You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
Marcus Aurelius
Brief Analysis
You see, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by challenging situations sometimes. Here Marcus is saying that while we can’t always control what happens around us – we do have control over how we react to them.
We can choose how we perceive and interpret what’s happening. And that’s where our true strength lies.
When we realize this, we’re not at the mercy of every twist and turn of fate. Instead, we’re empowered to face challenges with strength and clarity. We can’t always control the storm, but we can learn to navigate it with grace. As our minds are incredibly powerful tools.
So, in essence, this quote by Marcus Aurelius is urging us to look inward for strength. By recognizing the power of our minds, we can find the courage to face whatever life throws our way.
Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.
Marcus Aurelius
Time is a sort of river of passing events, and strong is its current; no sooner is a thing brought to sight than it is swept by and another takes its place, and this too will be swept away.
Marcus Aurelius
We ought to do good to others as simply as a horse runs, or a bee makes honey, or a vine bears grapes season after season without thinking of the grapes it has borne.
Marcus Aurelius
The more we value things outside our control, the less control we have.
Marcus Aurelius
Brief Analysis
When Marcus Aurelius talks about valuing things outside our control, he’s talking about getting too caught up in those uncontrollable factors.
The more we invest our energy into worrying about things we can’t change, the less energy we have to actually make a difference in the things we can control.
By shifting our focus to what we can control, we actually become more in charge of our own happiness and success. It’s about taking charge of our actions and attitudes, even when things around us seem uncertain.
We should stay focused on what we can influence and let go of the stuff we can’t. In short, this Marcus Aurelius quote about leadership reminds us to be captains of our own ships, steering towards our goals with purpose and resilience, regardless of the storms around us.
It is the responsibility of leadership to work intelligently with what is given, and not waste time fantasizing about a world of flawless people and perfect choices.
Marcus Aurelius
In your actions, don’t procrastinate. In your conversations, don’t confuse. In your thoughts, don’t wander. In your soul, don’t be passive or aggressive. In your life, don’t be all about business.
Marcus Aurelius
If any man despises me, that is his problem. My only concern is not doing or saying anything deserving of contempt.
Marcus Aurelius
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.
Marcus Aurelius
Brief Analysis
You see, how sometimes life gets hectic, and our thoughts are all over the place? Marcus Aurelius is telling us that we have the power to bring order to that chaos. He’s saying that it’s not about changing the world around us, but rather, it’s about organizing our own thoughts and emotions.
This Marcus Aurelius saying shows that we can tap into this inner tranquility by taking charge of our minds. We can choose clarity over confusion, simply by mastering the art of self-control.
By practicing self-awareness and mindfulness, we can start to understand the patterns of our thoughts and emotions. We can identify what serves us well and what doesn’t.
When we do that, it’s like turning on a little light in the middle of a dark room. Suddenly, everything becomes clearer, and we can navigate life with a sense of calm and purpose.
Take full account of what Excellencies you possess, and in gratitude remember how you would hanker after them, if you had them not.
Marcus Aurelius
Make sure you’re not made ‘Emperor,’ avoid that imperial stain. It can happen to you, so keep yourself simple, good, pure, saintly, plain, a friend of justice, god-fearing, gracious, affectionate, and strong for your proper work.
Marcus Aurelius
12 Marcus Aurelius Quotes on Discipline, Mind & Resilience
Settle on the type of person you want to be and stick to it, whether alone or in company.
Marcus Aurelius
Brief Analysis
It’s easy to stay true to ourselves when we’re alone, but the real challenge lies when we’re surrounded by others who are different from us. Because true virtue is about how we behave when we’re in the company of others.
This Marcus Aurelius quote on discipline tells us that once we decide who we want to be, we should stay true to that, even if it means standing alone or facing pressure from others to change. We should be willing to stand by our principles even if it means standing alone.
To settle on the type of person we want to be and stick to it, we should cultivate integrity, resilience, and self-awareness. It’s about being unwavering in our commitment to what we believe is right.
So, we should set our moral compass, and stay true to ourselves, no matter what challenges may come our way. That’s how we can live a life of virtue and integrity.
Also Read: Discipline Over Motivation: Why Discipline Beats Motivation & How You Can Develop It
Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself.
Marcus Aurelius
Choose not to be harmed — and you won’t feel harmed. Don’t feel harmed — and you haven’t been.
Marcus Aurelius
The best revenge is not to be like your enemy.
Marcus Aurelius
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.
Marcus Aurelius
Brief Analysis
We each have our own unique interpretations of any given situation, of course. This quote by Marcus Aurelius about the mind reminds us that we have the power to change our perspective.
We can choose to see things differently and to let go of the negative emotions tied to external events. It’s all about realizing that we’re in control of our own feelings. We should be in charge of feeling better about whatever happened.
We should take responsibility for our own feelings and reactions. Instead of blaming outside forces for our distress, we can recognize that our mindset plays a huge role in how we experience life.
In essence, we should not be at the mercy of whatever life throws our way. We have the power to choose our response, to change our perspective, and to find peace within ourselves, no matter what’s happening on the outside.
Ask ‘what is so unbearable about this situation? Why can’t you endure it?’ You will be embarrassed to answer.
Marcus Aurelius
Our anger and annoyance are more detrimental to us than the things themselves which anger or annoy us.
Marcus Aurelius
Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.
Marcus Aurelius
Do not think that what is hard for you to master is humanly impossible; and if it is humanly possible, consider it to be within your reach.
Marcus Aurelius
Brief Analysis
As humans, it’s easy to feel discouraged in challenging situations. But just because something is difficult doesn’t mean it’s impossible for us as humans to overcome.
This Marcus Aurelius quote about resilience suggests that instead of seeing difficulty as a barrier, we should view it as an opportunity for growth and learning. By approaching challenges with determination, we can surprise ourselves with what we’re able to achieve.
We’re capable of more than we think. We just need to keep pushing ourselves and not give up. Through it, we can reach heights we once thought were beyond our reach
In short, Marcus Aurelius believes in the power of the human spirit to overcome obstacles. Instead of being intimidated by difficulty, we should see it as a chance to prove our resilience and determination.
You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
Marcus Aurelius
Begin – to begin is half the work, let half still remain; again begin this, and thou wilt have finished.
Marcus Aurelius
Receive without conceit, release without struggle.
Marcus Aurelius
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