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. Therefore, before reacting in anger, consider the long-term damage; practice Stoic restraint to avoid unnecessary suffering.
- “The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury.”
- “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.”
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.
- “The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.”
- “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 one of Marcus Aurelius quotes on life reminds us to not follow the crowd or the popular opinion, but rather use our own reason and judgment to determine what is right and good.
- “If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it.”
- “Let each thing you would do, say, or intend, be like that of a dying person.”
Do not waste your time or energy on trivial or vain things but rather focus on what is essential and meaningful. By doing so, you will live each moment fully and authentically, and leave a good legacy behind.
- “The memory of everything is very soon overwhelmed in time.”
- “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.”
The future 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. By doing so, you will remain calm and confident, and prepare yourself for the future.
- “A man’s worth is no greater than the worth of his ambitions.”
- “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”
This Marcus Aurelius quote means that you should not let obstacles or difficulties stop you from pursuing your goals. Instead, you should also adapt your strategy and approach according to the situation, and turn the challenges into advantages.
- “Because a thing seems difficult for you, do not think it impossible.”
- “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. Therefore, it does not matter how long we live, but how well we live. This quote by Marcus Aurelius hits you with the reality of life.
- “We live only now. Everything else is either passed or is unknown.”
- “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?”
Do good deeds for their own sake, and not for any external reward or recognition. You should be satisfied with the intrinsic value and joy of doing well, and not seek any additional or ulterior motive as suggested by this Marcus Aurelius quote.
- “What we do now echoes in eternity.”
- “Often injustice lies in what you aren’t doing, not only in what you are doing.”
This is one of the most profound Marcus Aurelius quotes which means that you are not only responsible for your actions but also for your inactions. It reminds us to not be indifferent or passive to the injustice of the world but actively contribute to it’s justice.
- “Life is neither good nor evil, but only a place for good and evil.”
- “Look well into thyself; there is a source of strength which will always spring up if thou wilt always look.”
This is one of Marcus Aurelius meditations quotes which encourages you to introspect and examine your own thoughts, feelings, & motives. Discover and cultivate your own virtues, talents, and potential instead of depending on external sources of strength.
- “Conceal a flaw, and the world will imagine the worst.”
- “For it is in your power to retire into yourself whenever you choose.”
You have the ability to withdraw from the external world and focus on your inner self. You can 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.
- “Have I been made for this, to lie under the blankets and keep myself warm?”
- “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 by Marcus Aurelius means that you should appreciate the value of your life and make the most of it. 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.
- “Every living organism is fulfilled when it follows the right path for its own nature.”
- “Death smiles at us all; all we can do is smile back.”
Marcus Aurelius Quote on life beautifully reminds us to 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.
- “All men are made one for another: either then teach them better or bear with them.”
- “A wrongdoer is often a man who has left something undone, not always one who has done something.”
This is one of Marcus Aurelius quotes speaks a lot about human behavior. It 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.
- “That which is not good for the swarm, neither is it good for the bee.”
- “Be like the cliff against which the waves continually break; but it stands firm and tames the fury of the water around it.”
Don’t be shaken or swayed by external events or circumstances, but rather remain calm and composed. Don’t be overwhelmed or consumed by the emotions or passions of others, but rather control and moderate them to overcome troubles around you.
- “No one loses any other life than the one he now lives, nor does one live any other life than that which he will lose.”
End Note
Marcus Aurelius was a remarkable leader and thinker who left a legacy of wisdom and virtue. These quotes by Marcus Aurelius 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.”
