When faced with anything painful or pleasurable, anything bringing glory or disrepute, realize that the crisis is now, that the Olympics have started, and waiting is no longer an option; that the chance for progress, to keep or lose, turns on the events of a single day. Grab a copy of our NEW encyclopedia for Kids! But soon your chance at dignity will be gone. The point is, isn’t there anything God gave you for your present problem? Statue of Marcus Aurelius on horseback. The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are. But if you accept the obstacle and work with what you’re given, an alternative will present itself – another piece of what you’re trying to assemble. Don’t waste the rest of your time here worrying about other people… It will keep you from doing anything useful. What I like about Marcus Aurelius’ quotes is that they are useful, practical. When jarred, unavoidably, by circumstance, revert at once to yourself and don’t lose the rhythm more than you can help. He who is afraid of pain will sometimes also be afraid of some of the things that will happen in the world, and even this is impiety. Happiness Marcus Aurelius, Life is short. To do harm is to do yourself harm. Learn more about Marcus Aurelius’s life, including his rise to power, his reign, and his legacy. Finally, waiting for death with a cheerful mind, as being nothing else than a dissolution of the elements of which every living being is compounded. If you have been placed in a position above others, are you automatically going to behave like a despot? ― Marcus Aurelius. He often acts unjustly who does not do a certain thing; not only he who does a certain thing. Or just the matter itself? Click to tweet. Ancient civilizations liked to commemorate their victories in battle over an opponent. Then make time for yourself to learn something worthwhile; stop letting yourself be pulled in all directions. Perfection of character is this: to live each day as if it were your last, without frenzy, without apathy, without pretence. It is in your power whenever you choose to retire into yourself. How long will you wait before you demand the best of yourself, and trust reason to determine what is best? More discipline quotes, responsibility quotes, See also: Tim Ferriss quotes (about discipline, focus, productivity, etc). But as long as you don’t point it out to him, don’t make fun of him; be aware of what you need to work on instead. My advice is really this: what we hear the philosophers saying and what we find in their writings should be applied in our pursuit of the happy life. If it’s not right, don’t do it. Recall to your mind this conclusion, that rational animals exist for one another, and that to endure is a part of justice, and that men do wrong involuntarily. “It’s unfortunate that this has happened”. Please, come sit. Throw away your books; stop letting yourself be distracted. The best answer to anger is silence. Time is a sort of river of passing events, and strong is its current; no sooner is a thing brought to sight than it is swept by and another takes its place, and this too will be swept away. Do you not see then that for yourself also to change is just the same, and equally necessary for the universal nature? Others have been plundered, indiscriminately, set upon, betrayed, beaten up, attacked with poison or with calumny – mention anything you like, it has happened to plenty of people. Then do it, without hesitation, and speak the truth as you see it. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Death is not an evil. Click to tweet. Or will I be the emperor who gave Rome back her true self? To be good. Click to tweet, From my brother Severus to love my kin, and to love truth, and to love justice. Today I have got out of all trouble, or rather I have cast out all trouble, for it was not outside, but within and in my opinions. The long years of Marcusâs apprenticeship under Antoninus are illuminated by the correspondence between him and his teacher Fronto. Occupation: Roman emperor Each of our titles, when reflected upon, suggests the acts appropriate to it. You don’t love yourself enough. Marcus Aurelius, When someone is properly grounded in life, they shouldn’t have to look outside themselves for approval. If you say that you want a fig now, I will tell you to be patient. For nothing is so much adapted to produce magnanimity. Obstacles Keep your mind centered on itself. Which is why we praise the poet who wrote, ‘Death is not fearful, but dying like a coward is.’. Marcus Aurelius: You have proven your valor once again, Maximus. If you choose to click through and make a purchase, I will earn a little commission at no extra cost to you. In search of meaning, he dived in the self-improvement world, psychology and trail running. ― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations. People exist for one another. With what are you discontented? (See also: 9 Powerful Ways to Find Peace of Mind, planetofsuccess.com). For God’s sake, stop honouring externals, quit turning yourself into the tool of mere matter, or of people who can supply you or deny you those material things. Have I done something for the common good? With respect to what may happen to you from without, consider that it happens either by chance or according to Providence, and you must neither blame chance nor accuse Providence. No role is so well suited to philosophy as the one you happen to be in right now. Love Of these the first two are yours insofar as it is your duty to take care of them; but the third alone is truly yours. Settle on the type of person you want to be and stick to it, whether alone or in company. Look well into thyself; there is a source of strength which will always spring up if thou wilt always look. Marcus Aurelius was the last of the Five Good Emperors of Rome. Think not disdainfully of death, but look on it with favor; for even death is one of the things that Nature wills. Let that determine what you do and say and think. (What Marcus learned from Apollonius), His respect for people who practiced philosophy – at least, those who were sincere about it. As Nero before him, Emperor Commodus squandered much of the treasury on his own pleasure and led it into bankruptcy. Observe constantly that all things take place by change, and accustom thyself to consider that the nature of the Universe loves nothing so much as to change the things which are, and to make new things like them. (See also: 9 Ways to Reach Your Full Potential Every Day, lifehack.org). His best 5k is 17 minutes 41 seconds and his best marathon (42k) is in 3 hours 33 minutes 11 seconds (with 1800 meters of elevation gain). Three years of fighting were still needed, with Marcus in the thick of it, to restore the Danubian frontier, and three more years of campaigning in Bohemia were enough to bring the tribes beyond the Danube to peace, at least for a time. The universe is transformation: life is opinion. In time, you will grow to be confident that there is not a single impression that you will not have the moral means to tolerate. Then look at that. Disclaimer: This article may include affiliate links to books and products I love. And it’s the characteristic activity that’s the more natural one – more innate and more satisfying. Don’t believe your situation is genuinely bad – no one can make you do that. There are times when even to live is an act of bravery. The perfection of moral character consists in this, in passing every day as if it were the last, and in being neither violently excited nor torpid nor playing the hypocrite. And how small a part of the universal soul! Funny Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. While you’re alive and able – be good. As human being, we are scared of the unknown. If you lost the capacity to read, or play music, you would think it was a disaster, but you think nothing of losing the capacity to be honest, decent and civilized. Fate. Meanwhile, there was work enough to do at the side of the untiring Antoninus, with learning the business of government and assuming public roles. Her reverence for the divine, her generosity, her inability not only to do wrong but even to conceive of doing it. Don’t let outward appearances mislead you into thinking that someone with more prestige, power or some other distinction must on that account be happy. See also: How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius (Amazon book). We take our cue from people’s thinking even in the way we feel pain. ‘I will throw you into prison.’ Correction – it is my body you will throw there. Here are 510 of the best Marcus Aurelius quotes and images. Let men see, let them know, a real man, who lives as he was meant to live. Keep hold of this alone and remember it: Each of us lives only now, this brief instant. Because we’re the only animals who not only die but are conscious of it even while it happens, we are beset by anxiety. From Maximus I learned self-government, and not to be led aside by anything; and cheerfulness in all circumstances, as well as in illness. Maximus, talk. Enjoy! The rest has been lived already, or is impossible to see. Treat what you don’t have as nonexistent. Deep But be careful. Marcus was consul in 140, 145, and 161. By all the gods, I want to see a Stoic! Either you’re going to be depressed when your wish is not realized or foolishly pleased with yourself if it is, overjoyed for the wrong reasons. In many important ways, the reflections of Marcus Aurelius (121-180) crystallize the philosophical wisdom of the Greco-Roman world. With humility. Wise, Part 3 Marcus Aurelius Click to tweet, Part 2 But if men do not permit you, then get away out of life, as if you were suffering no harm. Don’t be disappointed if you return home with the very same set of ideas you arrived with. (What Marcus learned from Maximus), No matter what anyone says or does, my task is to be good. That the responsibility is theirs, not yours. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. Remember to act always as if you were at a symposium. Never value anything as profitable that compels you to break your promise, to lose your self-respect, to hate any man, to suspect, to curse, to act the hypocrite, to desire anything that needs walls and curtains. Most of us dread the deadening of the body and will do anything to avoid it. Who exactly are these people that you want to be admired by? That’s the real reason you should admit that you are not wise. Let us hope for the last time. Only attend to yourself, and resolve to be a good man in every act that you do. There is no evidence that Lucius Verus had much of a following, so a ruthless rival could have easily disposed of him, though to leave him in being as anything less than emperor might have created a focus for disaffection. In a little while you will have forgotten everything; in a little while everything will have forgotten you. Do not let your thoughts at once embrace all the various troubles that you may expect to befall you: but on every occasion ask yourself, “What is there in this that is intolerable and past bearing?” For you will be ashamed to confess. Marcus Aurelius, The more we value things outside our control, the less control we have. If you can eliminate it, you’ll have more time, and more tranquility. He who does wrong does wrong against himself. Begin – to begin is half the work, let half still remain; again begin this, and thou wilt have finished. Above all don’t gossip about people, praising, blaming or comparing them. Show us your values, philosopher. The field most congenial to him seems to have been the law. Action by action. You say you don’t want to be obstructed or forced to do something against your will – well, who is going to force you to desire things that you don’t approve, or dislike something against your better judgement? So there is the comforting thing about extremities of pain: if you feel it too much you are bound to stop feeling it. Tomorrow is nothing, today is too late; the good lived yesterday. Click to tweet. They are inescapable. To be angry at something means you’ve forgotten: That everything that happens is natural. In a word, if there is a god, all is well; and if chance rules, do not also be governed by it. Two are yours in trust; to the third alone you have clear title. (What Marcus learned from Maximus). As for you, lead someone to the truth and you will find that he can follow. Perfect tranquility within consists in the good ordering of the mind, the realm of your own. You’re better off not giving the small things more time than they deserve. The only wealth which you will keep forever is the wealth you have given away. Sanity means tying it to your own actions. The art of life is more like the wrestler’s art than the dancer’s, in respect of this, that it should stand ready and firm to meet onsets that are sudden and unexpected. Nothing has such power to broaden the mind as the ability to investigate systematically and truly all that comes under thy observation in life. Suppress the first impulse to be angry, then begin to count the days on which you don’t get mad. Being wise is being certain is that truth. Do every act of your life as if it were your last. The house is smoky, and I quit it. Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (/ ɔː ˈ r iː l i ə s / ə-REE-lee-əs; Latin: [ˈmaːrkʊs̠ au̯ˈreːlijʊs̠ an̪t̪oːˈniːnʊs̠]; 26 April 121 – 17 March 180) was Roman emperor from 161 to 180 and a Stoic philosopher. The power to love, then, belongs only to the wise man. Marcus Aurelius Known for his philosophical interests, Marcus Aurelius was one of the most respected emperors in Roman history. (What Marcus learned from Sextus), The way he handled the material comforts that fortune had supplied him in such abundance – without arrogance and without apology. How short is the time from birth to dissolution, and the illimitable time before birth as well as the equally boundless time after dissolution. Just try to escape your own. (What Marcus learned from his adopted father), That he respected tradition without needing to constantly congratulate himself for safeguarding our traditional values. Professor of Ancient History, University of Cambridge, 1979â84. If they’ve injured you, then they’re the ones who suffer for it. It loses nothing by coming down, gained nothing by going up. Yes, it’s the only truth and perhaps the most difficult thing to accept. Do not draw me aside into pomposity. Live out your life in truth and justice, tolerant of those who are neither true nor just. As an antidote to battle unkindness we were given kindness. What is it then? Keep in mind how fast things pass by and are gone – those that are now and those to come. Nor men either; they don’t do it on purpose. Why then do you not use it? Do not waste what remains of your life in speculating about your neighbors, unless with a view to some mutual benefit. Look within. “A cucumber is bitter.” Throw it away. (What Marcus learned from his adopted father). Existence flows past us like a river: the ‘what’ is in constant flux, the ‘why’ has a thousand variations. While you live, while it is in your power, be good. At his own insistence, however, his adoptive brother was made coemperor with him (and bore henceforth the name Imperator Caesar Lucius Aurelius Verus Augustus). Take care that you don’t treat inhumanity as it treats human beings. Then I share in the benefits. Since I became Caesar, I have known four years without war, four years of peace in twenty. (121–180) No more can a human being wholly efface his native disposition. Place: Rome, Italia Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. A boxer derives the greatest advantage from his sparring partner – and my accuser is my sparring partner. Whenever anyone criticizes or wrongs you, remember that they are only doing or saying what they think is right. Under no circumstances ever say ‘I have lost something,’ only ‘I returned it.’ Click to tweet. The martyrdoms at Lyon in 177 were of this nature, and, though it appears that Christian blood flowed more profusely in the reign of Marcus the philosopher than it had before, he was not an initiator of persecution. There is never any need to get worked up or to trouble your soul about things you can’t control. When another blames you or hates you, or people voice similar criticisms, go to their souls, penetrate inside and see what sort of people they are. Death overshadows you. All our efforts must be directed towards an end, or we will act in vain. If you shall be afraid not because you must some time cease to live, but if you shall fear never to have begun to live according to nature – then you will be a man worthy of the universe that has produced you, and you will cease to be a stranger in your native land. Whatever man you meet with, immediately say to yourself: “What opinions has this man about good and bad?”. Marcus Aurelius Quotes FROM If someone is incapable of distinguishing good things from bad and neutral things from either – well, how could such a person be capable of love? Marcus Aurelius, To love only what happens, what was destined. But this consists in keeping the daimon within a man free from violence and unharmed, superior to pains and pleasures, doing nothing without a purpose, nor yet falsely and with hypocrisy. This presumption that you possess knowledge of any use has to be dropped before you approach philosophy – just as if we were enrolling in a school of music or mathematics. It is sometimes assumed that in Hadrianâs mind both Commodus and Antoninus Pius were merely to be âplace warmersâ for one or both of these youths. Often injustice lies in what you aren’t doing, not only in what you are doing. The man who spends his time choosing one resort after another in a hunt for peace and quiet, will in every place he visits find something to prevent him from relaxing. A man when he has done a good act, does not call out for others to come and see, but he goes on to another act, as a vine goes on to produce again the grapes in season. I do what is mine to do; the rest doesn’t disturb me. Marcus Aurelius, He who follows reason in all things is both tranquil and active at the same time, and also cheerful and collected. Time Marcus Aurelius, Each of us needs what nature gives us, when nature gives it. The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane. Constantly recall those who have complained greatly about anything, those who have been most conspicuous by the greatest fame or misfortunes or enmities or fortunes of any kind: then think, where are they all now? Aren’t they the same people you are in the habit of calling crazy? You have lived your life. In 136 the emperor Hadrian (reigned 117â138) inexplicably announced as his eventual successor a certain Lucius Ceionius Commodus (henceforth L. Aelius Caesar), and in that same year young Marcus was engaged to Ceionia Fabia, the daughter of Commodus. “The universe is change. Everyone gets one life. Because what is a human being? [Treat] unenlightened souls with sympathy and indulgence, remembering that they are ignorant or mistaken about what’s most important. More Marcus Aurelius facts (Wikipedia page), 18 Marcus Aurelius Quotes (For Strength And Character), The first step: Don’t be anxious. Anything in any way beautiful derives its beauty from itself and asks nothing beyond itself. Forget everything else. There were two vices much blacker and more serious than the rest: lack of persistence and lack of self-control… persist and resist. Resolve to accept whatever happens as necessary and familiar, flowing like water from that same source and spring. I brought the sword. For what does reason purport to do? To the gods I am indebted for having good grandfathers, good parents, a good sister, good teachers, good associates, good kinsmen and friends, nearly everything good. With the badness of men? Click to tweet. Limit yourself to the present. You can find him on Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Quora, Strava, Sportstats, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube. And on what a small clod of the whole earth you creep! A man must learn a great deal to enable him to pass a correct judgment on another man’s acts. Marcus Aurelius Quotes Video. Unwavering adherence to decisions, once he’d reached them. Nothing important comes into being overnight; even grapes or figs need time to ripen. The same goes for moral inclinations. Such as are your habitual thoughts, such also will be the character of your mind. This event is the consequence of some other one. Shouldn’t we feel the same towards a philosopher – and assume that he has given up hope of our ever becoming rational – if he will no longer tell us what we need (but may not like) to hear? Self-indulgence means tying it to the things that happen to you. On February 25th, 138, Hadrian adopted a 51 year old man named Antoninus Pius on the condition that he in turn adopted Marcus Aurelius. They do nothing wrong, on purpose or by accident. Think continually that all kinds of men, pursuits, and nations are dead. Marcus had a long apprenticeship at the side of Antoninus, learning the business of government and assuming public roles, before peacefully assuming power upon Antoninusâs death. Without hypocrisy. Inspirational Speaking for myself, I hope death overtakes me when I’m occupied solely with the care of my character, in an effort to make it passionless, free, unrestricted and unrestrained. Nature controls it all. For all things are formed by nature to change and be turned and to perish in order that other things in continuous succession may exist. People who are physically ill are unhappy with a doctor who doesn’t give them advice, because they think he has given up on them. In your conversation, don’t dwell at excessive length on your own deeds or adventures. Don’t be overheard complaining… Not even to yourself. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth. I mean, where am I going to go to get away from it? It doesn’t have to upset you. Marcus Aurelius. Marcus Aurelius (r. A.D. 161-180) was a Stoic philosopher and one of the five good Roman emperors (r. A.D. 161-180). Faced with pain, you will discover the power of endurance. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). (To his son Commodus). Poverty’s no evil to anyone unless he kicks against it. Marcus Aurelius came from a prominent Roman family. Why should we feel anger at the world? Conceal a flaw, and the world will imagine the worst. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marcus-Aurelius-Roman-emperor, Ancient History Encyclopedia - Biography of Marcus Aurelius, The Catholic Encyclopedia - Biography of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Biography of Marcus Aurelius, Heritage History - Biography of Marcus Aurelius, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Biography of Marcus Aurelius, Marcus Aurelius - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). It is a proper work of a man to be benevolent to his own kind, to despise the movements of the senses, to form a just judgment of plausible appearances, and to take a survey of the nature of the universe and of the things that happen in it. Your email address will not be published. The act of dying is one of the acts of life. We should hunt out the helpful pieces of teaching, and the spirited and noble-minded sayings which are capable of immediate practical application – not far-fetched or archaic expressions or extravagant metaphors and figures of speech – and learn them so well that words become works. Click to tweet. It shows the strong influence of Stoicism on Marcus and has been held by generations as the thoughts of a philosopher-king.
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