What is Marcus Aurelius Most Famous Quote?
The Roman Emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius is known for many stoic quotes from Meditations, the diary that was published long after his death. One of his most famous lines is this: “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” There are many other famous Stoicism related quotes to be found in Meditations, though, and the book has been an inspiration to millions of people over the past two millennia.
This quotes listed below encapsulate the core principles of Stoic philosophy, which Marcus Aurelius studied (although he never uses the word “Stoicism” in his Meditations, instead preferring to just say “philosophy.” Keeping a journal about a Stoic mindset helped Marcus Aurelius focus on his internal thoughts and reactions rather than his external circumstances, which he knew were beyond his control.
A List of the Top 10 Marcus Aurelius Stoic Quotes
“You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.”
“Everything we hear is opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.”
“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.”
“The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.”
“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love.”
“The best revenge is to not be like your enemies.”
“Your soul is dyed with the color of your thoughts.”
“It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.”
“Accept the things to which fate binds you. Love the people with whom fate brings you together.”
Other Famous Marcus Aurelius Stoicism Quotes in Meditations
“Our life is what our thoughts make it.”
“If someone can show me that what I think or do is not right, I’ll gladly change. For I seek the truth.”
“We love ourselves more than others, but we value others’ opinions more than our own.”
“If it is not right, do not do it. If it is not true, do not say it.”
“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself and in your way of thinking.”
“Reject your sense of injury, and the injury itself will disappear.”
“Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself.”
“If something is humanly possible, it’s attainable by you, too”
“What stands in the way . . . becomes the way.”
“You always have the option of having no opinion.”
“If it’s endurable, then endure it. Stop complaining, even to yourself.”
“Don’t you see how much you have to offer? And yet you still settle for less.”
“Everything is born from change.”
“Receive without pride. Let go without attachment.”
“Get back up when you fall. Celebrate behaving like a human.”
“The present is all we have to live in . . . or to lose.”
“Humans are here for the sake of each other. So either teach them, or learn to bear them.”
About Marcus Aurelius and the Stoic Philosophy Quotes from “Meditations”
Marcus Aurelius, a prominent figure in Roman history, was not only an emperor but also a philosopher deeply rooted in the Stoic tradition. Born on April 26, 121 AD, he ascended to the Roman throne in 161 AD and ruled until his death in 180 AD. His reign is noted for its representation of the Pax Romana, an era of relative peace and stability in the Roman Empire. However, what truly sets Marcus Aurelius apart from other rulers of his time is his philosophical inclination and introspection, which is most profoundly encapsulated in his personal writings, known as the “Meditations.”
“Meditations” is not a typical philosophical text; rather, it is a collection of personal writings and reflections that Marcus Aurelius penned during his military campaigns. Written in Greek, these writings were never intended for publication; they were Marcus’s own exercises in self-improvement and a practical application of Stoic philosophy. The journal comprises twelve books and delves into themes such as the nature of human rationality, the universe, the insignificance of material wealth, and the fleeting nature of life. Throughout “Meditations,” Marcus Aurelius repeatedly emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, duty, and respect for others, reflecting his commitment to Stoic virtues such as wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance.
The enduring appeal of “Meditations” lies in its timeless wisdom and the universal applicability of its teachings. Marcus Aurelius’ reflections offer insights into coping with the challenges of life, the pursuit of self-improvement, and the importance of maintaining moral integrity amidst external turmoil. His thoughts on the impermanence of life and the importance of living in accordance with nature continue to resonate with modern readers, offering a source of comfort and guidance. The work remains a testament to the enduring relevance of Stoic philosophy and stands as a remarkable legacy of a ruler who was, above all, a philosopher at heart, seeking wisdom and virtue throughout his life.