Meditations Quotes

“The Roman scrutinizes his faults with severity but without the self-contempt that makes the Christian 'vile in his own sight.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations: Modern English Edition

“We fear more what others think of us than what we ourselves do.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations: Modern English Edition

“Anger and grief come from weakness; both signify surrendering to emotions. Accept that wicked people exist, but don't expect to be immune from their actions,”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations: Modern English Edition

“Anyone who is truly simple and good should be as unmistakable as someone whose body odor is noticeable to anyone nearby.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations: Modern English Edition

“When you see someone doing something, ask yourself what their goal is. Start with yourself and examine your own actions carefully.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations: Modern English Edition

“Stop discussing what makes a good person. Just be one.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations: Modern English Edition

“These self-proclaimed politicians and philosophers of the world, who think they are virtuous, are often wretched and contemptible.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations: Modern English Edition

“If someone else sins, it's their issue, not yours. Why let it bother you? Let them deal with their own problems.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations: Modern English Edition

“Virtue and wickedness, good and evil, consist not in passion but in action.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations: Modern English Edition

“When you're reluctant to get out of bed, remind yourself that acting for the common good is your natural duty. Sleeping is common to all animals. What's more natural and pleasing than fulfilling your nature?”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations: Modern English Edition

“What are Alexander, Caius, and Pompey compared to Diogenes, Heraclitus, and Socrates? The latter understood the true nature of things and exercised their authority over them. The former, however, extended their errors as far as their conquests.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations: Modern English Edition

“Every event can be seen as a proper occasion for either praising God or benefiting others.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations: Modern English Edition

“Those who seek posthumous fame forget that those who remember them will also die, leading to the eventual extinction of all memory. What does it matter to you, even while alive, whether you are praised? The intrinsic value of what is good or beautiful stands on its own, regardless of praise or blame.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations: Modern English Edition

“If you have reason, use it. If your reason is functioning, what more do you need?”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations: Modern English Edition

“Certain outcomes naturally follow from certain causes. Expecting otherwise is like wanting a fig tree to grow without sap.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations: Modern English Edition

“remember how quickly things are forgotten, the vastness of eternity before and after us, and the insignificance of human praise. The earth is but a point in the vast cosmos, and even fewer people will remember or commend you.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations: Modern English Edition

“16. Whatever I am, it is either flesh, life, or reason. Set aside your books and focus on your ruling part, reason. Don't let it become a slave to desires and impulses. Don't resent the present or fear the future.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations: Modern English Edition