More Quotes by Marcus Aurelius
Think of all the years passed by in which you said to yourself "I'll do it tomorrow," and how the gods have again and again granted you periods of grace of which you have not availed yourself. It is time to realize that you are a member of the Universe, that you are born of Nature itself, and to know that a limit has been set to your time. Use every moment wisely, to perceive your inner refulgence, or 'twill be gone and nevermore within your reach.
Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.
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. You will realize that there is no need to be racked with anxiety that they should hold any particular opinion about you.
Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.
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.
You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
There is but one thing of real value - to cultivate truth and justice, and to live without anger in the midst of lying and unjust men.
Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.
If you are pained by any external thing, it is not this thing that disturbs you, but your own judgment about it. It is in your power to erase this judgment about it. If anything in your own nature gives you pain, you are who hinders you from correcting your opinion.
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?