Marcus Aurelius

"As for others whose lives are not so ordered, he reminds himself constantly of the characters they exhibit daily and nightly at home and abroad, and of the sort of society they frequent; and the approval of such men, who do not even stand well in their own eyes, has no value for him."

3 likes

Source: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, Book II, (14), (c. 161 - 180 AD).

About the author

Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius

Philosopher, Emperor

Marcus Aurelius was a Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, notable for his work 'Meditations', which explores themes of control and virtue.

All quotes by Marcus Aurelius →

Same author

More quotes by Marcus Aurelius

See all →
Marcus Aurelius Philosopher, Emperor

"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."

Read quote
Marcus Aurelius Philosopher, Emperor

"It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinions than our own."

Read quote
Marcus Aurelius Philosopher, Emperor

"Say to yourself in the early morning: I shall meet today ungrateful, violent, treacherous, envious, uncharitable men. All of these things have come upon them through ignorance of real good and ill... I can neither be harmed by any of them, for no man will involve me in wrong, nor can I be angry with my kinsman or hate him; for we have come into the world to work together."

Read quote