Marcus Aurelius often called the “Philosopher King” was a Roman emperor and a Stoic philosopher who wrote a series of personal reflections known as “Meditations.” Marcus Aurelius quotes are widely admired for their wisdom, insight, and practical guidance on how to live a virtuous and happy life.
In this post, we will explore some of the most famous and inspiring Marcus Aurelius quotes and examine the context and meaning behind his words.
- “How much more grievous are the consequences of anger than the causes of it.”
This quote means that anger often leads to more harm than the original reason for being angry. For example, if someone insults you, you might feel angry and want to retaliate. But if you do so, you might end up hurting yourself or others or damaging your reputation or relationships. Therefore, it is better to control your anger and not let it affect your actions or judgments.
- “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.”
This quote means that you should accept the circumstances of your life and the people you encounter, without complaining or resisting. You should also show kindness and affection to those who share your fate, and not be indifferent or hostile. By doing so, you will find peace and happiness in your life, regardless of the external events.
- “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.”
This quote means that you should not follow the crowd or the popular opinion, but rather use your own reason and judgment to determine what is right and good. You should also avoid being influenced by the passions and prejudices of others, which can make you act irrationally or immorally. By doing so, you will preserve your sanity and integrity, and live a life worthy of a human being. This is one of the most realistic Marcus Aurelius quotes.
- “Let each thing you would do, say, or intend, be like that of a dying person.”
This quote means that you should act, speak, and think as if you were about to die. You should not waste your time or energy on trivial or vain things but rather focus on what is essential and meaningful. You should also not fear death or regret anything but rather embrace it as a natural and inevitable part of life. By doing so, you will live each moment fully and authentically, and leave a good legacy behind.
- “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.”
This quote means that you should not worry or be anxious about the future, which is uncertain and beyond your control. You should rather deal with the present, which is in your power and where you can make a difference. You should also trust that you have the ability and the wisdom to face whatever challenges or opportunities the future may bring. By doing so, you will remain calm and confident, and prepare yourself for the future.
- “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”
This quote means that you should not let obstacles or difficulties stop you from pursuing your goals. Instead, you should use them as opportunities to learn, grow, and improve. You should also adapt your strategy and approach according to the situation, and turn the challenges into advantages. By doing so, you will overcome the impediment and advance your action. This is one of the most inspiring Marcus Aurelius quotes.
- “We are like many pellets of incense falling on the same altar. Some collapse sooner, others later, but it makes no difference.”
This quote means that we are all mortal and destined to die, regardless of our status, wealth, or fame. We are all part of the same universe and subject to the same fate. Therefore, it does not matter how long we live, but how well we live. We should focus on living a good and meaningful life, rather than worrying about the length or the end of it.
- “When you’ve done well and another has benefited by it, why like a fool do you look for a third thing on top—credit for the good deed or a favor in return?”
This quote means that you should do good deeds for their own sake, and not for any external reward or recognition. You should also not expect anything in return from the person who has benefited from your action or feels entitled to their gratitude or loyalty. You should be satisfied with the intrinsic value and joy of doing well, and not seek any additional or ulterior motive.
- “Often injustice lies in what you aren’t doing, not only in what you are doing.”
This quote means that you are not only responsible for your actions but also for your inactions. You should not only avoid doing wrong or harming others but also prevent or correct the wrong or harm done by others. You should also not be indifferent or passive to the injustice or suffering in the world but actively contribute to the justice and well-being of others. By doing so, you will uphold your moral duty and dignity as a human being. This is one of the most profound Marcus Aurelius quotes as well.
- “Look well into thyself; there is a source of strength which will always spring up if thou wilt always look.”
This quote means that you should introspect and examine your own thoughts, feelings, and motives. You should also discover and cultivate your own virtues, talents, and potential. You should not depend on external sources of strength, such as fame, fortune, or power, but rely on your own inner resources, such as wisdom, courage, and self-discipline. By doing so, you will find a source of strength that will always spring up if you will always look.
- “For it is in your power to retire into yourself whenever you choose.”
This quote means that you have the ability to withdraw from the external world and focus on your inner self. You can do this by practicing meditation, reflection, or self-examination. You can also do this by avoiding distractions, temptations, or influences that might disturb your peace of mind. By doing so, you will find clarity, tranquility, and wisdom within yourself.
- “Your days are numbered. Use them to throw open the windows of your soul to the sun. If you do not, the sun will soon set, and you with it.”
This quote means that you should appreciate the value of your life and make the most of it. You should not waste your time or energy on trivial or vain things, but rather pursue what is noble and meaningful. You should also expose your soul to the sun, which symbolizes the truth, the good, and the divine. By doing so, you will illuminate your soul and enrich your life.
- “Death smiles at us all; all we can do is smile back.”
This quote means that you should not fear or resent death, but accept it as a natural and inevitable part of life. You should also not let death prevent you from living fully and joyfully, but rather face it with courage and dignity. You should also smile back at death, which shows that you are not intimidated or defeated by it, but rather ready and willing to meet it.
- “A wrongdoer is often a man who has left something undone, not always one who has done something.”
This quote means that you are not only responsible for your actions but also for your inactions. You should not only avoid doing wrong or harming others but also prevent or correct the wrong or harm done by others. You should also not be indifferent or passive to the injustice or suffering in the world but actively contribute to the justice and well-being of others. By doing so, you will uphold your moral duty and dignity as a human being. This is one of the Marcus Aurelius quotes that speaks a lot of the human behavior nowadays.
- “Be like the cliff against which the waves continually break; but it stands firm and tames the fury of the water around it.”
This quote means that you should be strong and steadfast in the face of adversity and challenges. You should not be shaken or swayed by external events or circumstances, but rather remain calm and composed. You should also not be overwhelmed or consumed by the emotions or passions of others, but rather control and moderate them. By doing so, you will endure and overcome the difficulties and troubles around you.
Marcus Aurelius was a remarkable leader and thinker who left a legacy of wisdom and virtue. Marcus Aurelius quotes offer us valuable insights into how to live well in a complex and uncertain world. By applying his principles we can cultivate a calm and rational mind, and have a meaningful and fulfilling life. As he said, “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”
