Quotes by Marcus Aurelius

About Marcus Aurelius:

Marcus Aurelius is also considered one of the most important Stoic philosophers.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

If something is difficult for you to accomplish, do not then think it impossible for any human being; rather, if it is humanly possible and corresponds to human nature, know that it is attainable by you as well.

Marcus Aurelius

Your days are numbered. Use them to throw open the windows of your soul to the sun. If you do not, the sun will soon set, and you with it.

Marcus Aurelius

What am I but a little flesh, a little breath, and the thinking part that rules the whole?

Marcus Aurelius

Remember how long you have procrastinated, and how consistently you have failed to put to good use you suspended sentence from the gods. It is about time you realized the nature of the universe (of which you are part) and of the pwoer that rules it (...

Marcus Aurelius

Every hour be firmly resolved... to accomplish the work at hand with fitting and unaffected dignity, goodwill, freedom, justice. Banish from your thoughts all other considerations. This is possible if you perform each act as if it were your last, rej...

Marcus Aurelius

The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing.

Marcus Aurelius

When thou art above measure angry, bethink thee how momentary is man's life.

Marcus Aurelius

For it is in your power to retire into yourself whenever you choose.

Marcus Aurelius

Do not disturb yourself by picturing your life as a whole; do not assemble in your mind the many and varied troubles which have come to you in the past and will come again in the future, but ask yourself with regard to every present difficulty: 'What...

Marcus Aurelius

In the morning when thou risest unwillingly, let this thought be present - I am rising to the work of a human being. Why then am I dissatisfied if I am going to do the things for which I exist and for which I was brought into the world?

Marcus Aurelius

When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love ...

Marcus Aurelius

The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are.

Marcus Aurelius

Here is a rule to remember in future, when anything tempts you to feel bitter: not "This is misfortune," but "To bear this worthily is good fortune.

Marcus Aurelius

Accept whatever comes to you woven in the pattern of your destiny, for what could more aptly fit your needs?

Marcus Aurelius

Humans have come into being for the sake of each other, so either teach them, or learn to bear them.

Marcus Aurelius

Retire into thyself. The rational principle which rules has this nature, that it is content with itself when it does what is just, and so secures tranquility.

Marcus Aurelius

A man should always have these two rules in readiness. First, to do only what the reason of your ruling and legislating faculties suggest for the service of man. Second, to change your opinion whenever anyone at hand sets you right and unsettles you ...

Marcus Aurelius

Live out your life in truth and justice, tolerant of those who are neither true nor just.

Marcus Aurelius

Swiftly the remembrance of all things is buried in the gulf of eternity.

Marcus Aurelius

The blazing fire makes flames and brightness out of everything thrown into it.

Marcus Aurelius

Author Bio

  • NameMarcus Aurelius
  • DescriptionEmperor of Ancient Rome
  • AliasesMarcus Aurelius
  • BornApril 26, 121
  • DiedMarch 17, 180
  • CountryRoman Empire
  • ProfessionEmperor