The Top 20 Marcus Aurelius Quotes on Life, Stoicism and Self-Discipline

Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor and renowned Stoic philosopher who lived from 121-180 AD. His collection of personal writings and reflections, known as "Meditations", contains timeless wisdom on how to live a good life, maintain self-control, and find contentment. Here we've compiled the 20 best and most insightful Marcus Aurelius quotes that are still highly relevant today.

8/17/20242 min read

On Living a Good Life

"Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one."

"Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking."

"To live a good life: We have the potential for it. If we learn to be indifferent to what makes no difference."

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

On Controlling Your Perceptions

"You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."

"It's all in how you perceive it. You're in control. You can dispense with misperception at will, like rounding the point."

"You don't have to turn this into something. It doesn't have to upset you."

On Overcoming Adversity

"The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way."

"It's unfortunate that this has happened. No. It's fortunate that this has happened and I've remained unharmed."

On Self-Discipline and Virtue

"Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself."

"If it is not right, do not do it, if it is not true, do not say it."

"The best revenge is not to be like your enemy."

"It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live."

On Focusing on What Matters

"Because most of what we say and do is not essential. Ask yourself at every moment, 'Is this necessary?'"

"You're better off not giving the small things more time than they deserve."

"Confine yourself to the present."

On Accepting Fate

"Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart."

"Whatever happens to you has been waiting to happen since the beginning of time."

These powerful quotes from Marcus Aurelius provide profound insights on Stoic philosophy and how to live with purpose, resilience and integrity. His wisdom continues to resonate across the centuries, offering guidance on overcoming challenges, mastering our perceptions, and focusing on what truly matters in life.