Marcus Aurelius was a Stoic philosopher and Roman emperor who is considered one of the most important figures in the history of Western thought. If you’re looking for some inspiration, look no further.
Here are some of the best Marcus Aurelius quotes, all of which come from his book Meditations:
- “You have power over your mind – not external events. Realize this and you will find strength.”
- “The best revenge is to be different from him who did the harm.”
- “Death smiles at us all, so all a man can do is smile back.”
- “If it is not right, do not do it; if it is not true, do not say it.”
- “Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.”
- “You can leave life right now. Let this knowledge determine what you do and say and think.”
- “The soul is colored by the color of its thoughts.”
- “Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.”
- “If anyone is able to show me that what I think or do is not right, I would like to change, for I seek the truth, by which no one was ever really harmed. The harm is in continuing to persist in error, ignorant of the truth.”
- “The purpose of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.”
Aurelius was a firm believer in self-control, living in harmony with nature and making sound decisions. These Marcus Aurelius quotes show just how ahead of his time he really was – and how his words of wisdom are still relevant today. What he says is so recognizable that one could almost believe he had written them today.
What is your favorite quote from Marcus Aurelius?