Marcus Aurelius, Meditations Quotes
Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.
You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize?
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.
It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.
Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.
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 happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature.
The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are.
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.
If any man despises me, that is his problem. My only concern is not doing or saying anything deserving of contempt.
Accustom yourself not to be disregarding of what someone else has to say: as far as possible enter into the mind of the speaker.
Live out your life in truth and justice, tolerant of those who are neither true nor just.
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.
Never esteem anything as of advantage to you that will make you break your word or lose your self-respect.
Humans have come into being for the sake of each other, so either teach them, or learn to bear them.
How much more grievous are the consequences of anger than the causes of it.
Take full account of what Excellencies you possess, and in gratitude remember how you would hanker after them, if you had them not.
Accept whatever comes to you woven in the pattern of your destiny, for what could more aptly fit your needs?
Your mind will take on the character of your most frequent thoughts: souls are dyed by thoughts.
Regain your senses, call yourself back, and once again wake up. Now that you realize that only dreams were troubling you, view this 'reality' as you view your dreams.
All men are made one for another: either then teach them better or bear with them.
There is no man so blessed that some who stand by his deathbed won't hail the occasion with delight.
Anything in any way beautiful derives its beauty from itself and asks nothing beyond itself. Praise is no part of it, for nothing is made worse or better by praise.
As far as you can, get into the habit of asking yourself in relation to any action taken by another: "What is his point of reference here?" But begin with yourself: examine yourself first.
Perfection of character is this: to live each day as if it were your last, without frenzy, without apathy, without pretence.
It is a ridiculous thing for a man not to fly from his own badness, which is indeed possible, but to fly from other men's badness, which is impossible.
From the philosopher Catulus, never to be dismissive of a friend's accusation, even if it seems unreasonable, but to make every effort to restore the relationship to its normal condition.
The blazing fire makes flames and brightness out of everything thrown into it.
Every living organism is fulfilled when it follows the right path for its own nature.
Look back over the past, with its changing empires that rose and fell, and you can foresee the future too.
Think not so much of what you lack as of what you have: but of the things that you have, select the best, and then reflect on how eagerly you would have sought them if you did not have them.
Be your own master, and look at things as a man, as a human being, as a citizen, as a mortal creature.
