Marcus Aurelius, born on April 26, 121 AD, is often remembered as one of Rome's "Five Good Emperors" and a philosopher whose wisdom and writings continue to influence the modern world. His life and works, particularly his "Meditations," offer profound insights into stoicism and valuable personal and moral development lessons.
Marcus Aurelius' Rise To Power
Marcus Aurelius was born into a prominent Roman family. From an early age, he received a comprehensive education in rhetoric, philosophy, and the arts. He studied under notable teachers, including the famous Stoic philosopher Junius Rusticus, who profoundly impacted Aurelius’ philosophical development.
His path to the throne was somewhat unexpected. He was not initially groomed for imperial rule but instead found himself in line for succession when his uncle, Emperor Antoninus Pius, adopted him. This unexpected ascent to power eventually led to his reign as Roman Emperor from 161 AD until he died in 180 AD.
Meditations
One of the remarkable aspects of Marcus Aurelius’ reign was his commitment to philosophy, particularly Stoicism. Stoicism, a school of thought that teaches rationality, virtue, and self-control as the path to a tranquil life, became the guiding principle of his rule. Marcus Aurelius firmly believed in the importance of living a life in accordance with nature and reason.
His "Meditations" is a collection of personal writings that reflect his Stoic philosophy and provide insight into his inner thoughts. These writings were not meant for publication but were a philosophical diary for his guidance. In them, he contemplated the nature of the self, virtue's importance, and life's transitory nature.
30 Marcus Aurelius’ Quotes
"You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."
"The best revenge is not to be like your enemy."
"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts."
"Our life is what our thoughts make it."
"Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one."
"If it is not right, do not do it; if it is not true, do not say it."
"The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way."
"The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts."
"The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing."
"Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking."
"How much time he gains who does not look to see what his neighbor says or does or thinks."
"Reject your sense of injury, and the injury itself disappears."
"The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it."
"A man's worth is no greater than the worth of his ambitions."
"Do every act of your life as if it were your last."
"The only wealth which you will keep forever is the wealth you have given away."
"Confine yourself to the present."
"Loss is nothing else but change, and change is Nature's delight."
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth."
"The happiness of those who want to be popular depends on others; the happiness of those who seek pleasure fluctuates with moods outside their control; but the happiness of the wise grows out of their own free acts."
"It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult."
"The soul in its excellence is most active when it contemplates the universe."
"Nothing happens to anybody which he is not fitted by nature to bear."
"To live happily is an inward power of the soul."
"Men exist for the sake of one another."
"A man should be upright, not kept upright."
"It is not fit that I should give myself pain, for I am always in my own power."
"The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best."
"The greatest wealth is to live content with little."
"Begin each day by telling yourself: Today I shall be meeting with interference, ingratitude, insolence, disloyalty, ill-will, and selfishness."
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