Marcus Aurelius Antoninus was Roman emperor from 161 to 180 AD, the last of the so-called “five good emperors,” and a Stoic philosopher. One of the most respected Roman emperors, Marcus Aurelius is best remembered for his rule driven by reason and his intellectual interest in Stoicism, a philosophy of personal ethics informed by its system of logic. The reign of Marcus Aurelius was marked by military conflict.
Marcus was born in Rome on 26 April 121 AD, during the reign of Hadrian to the emperor’s nephew. Marcus acquired the reputation of a philosopher king within his lifetime as he was a pioneer in Stoic Philosophy. He died on 17 March 180 AD. Unlike some of his predecessors, Marcus chose not to adopt an heir. His writings and legacy are still celebrated today by many.
1 The needs of a happy life are very few. -Marcus Aurelius
The things essential for a good and happy life are few. Contentment is what brings you happiness. Most of your sorrows and worries are a consequence of your needless greed.
2 The impediment to action advances action, What stands in the way becomes the way. -Marcus Aurelius
The obstacles that you face only exist to help you grow. Obstacles are an inexorable part of life and there is no avoiding them. What one needs to do is to face them head-on.
3 Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be, Be one. -Marcus Aurelius
It’s easy to point fingers at others and tell them how they should be. But to practice what you preach is tough. Instead of telling others how good they should be, be one yourself and set an example.
4 You have power over your mind, not outside events, Realize this, and you will find strength. -Marcus Aurelius
You do not always have the power to change your circumstances. But you do have power over your mind and your attitude. Look within yourself and adapt to your circumstances. Once you do realise this, you will find strength within yourself.
5 Death smiles at us all, but all a man can do is smile back. -Marcus Aurelius
Death is inevitable. It’ll come for us when the time is right. To worry about it is futile and foolish. Instead, live your life to the fullest and when death comes, go with a smile on your face.
6 The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts. -Marcus Aurelius
You are what your thoughts make you. They consume you and form the person you are. Your actions, deeds and words are all just a reflection of your inner thoughts.
7 The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury. -Marcus Aurelius
To be the better person is always the better revenge. Vengeance will only bring you agony and pain more than anything. Forgive, forget and move on.
8 When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love. -Marcus Aurelius
Every day that you are alive is a day to be grateful for. Celebrate the blessing that is life and be thankful for being able to breath, to think and to love.
9 Do not indulge in dreams of having what you have not, but reckon up the chief of the blessings you do possess. -Marcus Aurelius
Instead of chasing those things that you do not possess, stop and look around you. There are numerous blessings that you already possess and you can be grateful for. Happiness comes to those who are content with what they have.
10 Do every act of your life as though it were the very last act of your life. -Marcus Aurelius
Live today as if you’ll die tomorrow. Enjoy every moment of your life as if death is at your doorsteps. No action that you take should not be one that you regret later.
11 Look well into thyself; there is a source of strength which will always spring up if thou wilt always look. -Marcus Aurelius
All the strength that you need to make it through your bad times is already within you. What we fail to do is to recognize it. Look deep within and you’ll find it there.
12 What we do now echoes in eternity. -Marcus Aurelius
Every action that you take, every decision that you make all of it comes back at you in the future. Nothing is ever forgotten. The world is like a mirror: it gives you back what you give to it.
13 The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts. -Marcus Aurelius
Your happiness is determined by the thoughts that you have. What the mind conceives, you become. Your happiness is a direct consequence of your thoughts.
14 A man’s worth is no greater than the worth of his ambitions. -Marcus Aurelius
A man’s worth can be judged by the quality of his ambitions. Your ambitions and dreams dictate your actions. And your actions subsequently form your character.
15 It is the person who continues in his self-deception and ignorance who is harmed. -Marcus Aurelius
Ignorance is bliss but only a temporary one. One who tries to hide from reality and blind themselves with lies and self-deception will eventually have to face the brunt of reality.
15 Most Refreshing Marcus Aurelius Quotes To Read!
1. The needs of a happy life are very few. -Marcus Aurelius
2. The impediment to action advances action, What stands in the way becomes the way. -Marcus Aurelius
3. Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be, Be one. -Marcus Aurelius
4. You have power over your mind, not outside events, Realize this, and you will find strength. -Marcus Aurelius
5. Death smiles at us all, but all a man can do is smile back. -Marcus Aurelius
6. The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts. -Marcus Aurelius
7. The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury. -Marcus Aurelius
8. When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love. -Marcus Aurelius
9. Do not indulge in dreams of having what you have not, but reckon up the chief of the blessings you do possess. -Marcus Aurelius
10. Do every act of your life as though it were the very last act of your life. -Marcus Aurelius
11. Look well into thyself; there is a source of strength which will always spring up if thou wilt always look. -Marcus Aurelius
12. What we do now echoes in eternity. -Marcus Aurelius
13. The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts. -Marcus Aurelius
14. A man’s worth is no greater than the worth of his ambitions. -Marcus Aurelius
15. It is the person who continues in his self-deception and ignorance who is harmed. -Marcus Aurelius
