Marcus Aurelius

Alexander of Macedon, and he that dressed his mules, when once dead both came to one.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 22·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

For all things both good and evil: come to pass according to the nature and general condition of the universe, and within a very little while, all things will be at an end; no man will be remembered.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 4·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

In all things to endeavour to have power of myself, and in nothing to be carried about; to be cheerful and courageous in all sudden chances and accidents.

Meditations, Book 1, Section XII·Wisdom, self-improvement, philosophy

The best kind of revenge is, not to become like unto them.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 5·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

Cast away from thee opinion, and thou art safe.

Meditations, Book 12, Section XIX·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

Every man's happiness depends from himself, but behold thy life is almost at an end, whiles affording thyself no respect, thou dost make thy happiness to consist in the souls, and conceits of other men.

Meditations, Book 2, Section III·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

Of everything thou must consider from whence it came, of what things it doth consist, and into what it will be changed: what will be the nature of it, or what it will be like unto when it is changed.

Meditations, Book 11, Section XVI·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

To find out, and set to thyself some certain way and method of contemplation, whereby thou mayest clearly discern and represent unto thyself, the mutual change of all things, the one into the other.

Meditations, Book 10, Section XI·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

Generally then, whatsoever it be, besides virtue, and those things that proceed from virtue that thou art subject to be much affected with, remember presently thus to divide it, and by this kind of division, in each particular to attain unto the contempt of the whole.

Meditations, Book 11, Section II·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.

Meditations, Book 5, Section 16·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

Hast thou reason? I have. Why then makest thou not use of it? For if thy reason do her part, what more canst thou require?

Meditations, Book 4, Section 10·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

Have I done anything charitably? then am I benefited by it. See that this upon all occasions may present itself unto thy mind, and never cease to think of it.

Meditations, Book 11, Section IV·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

For he that does regard neither his body, nor his clothing, nor his dwelling, nor any such external furniture, must needs gain unto himself great rest and ease.

Meditations, Book 12, Section II·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

He that sinneth, sinneth unto himself. He that is unjust, hurts himself, in that he makes himself worse than he was before.

Meditations, Book 9, Section IV·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

He that is unjust, is also impious. For the nature of the universe, having made all reasonable creatures one for another, to the end that they should do one another good; more or less according to the several persons and occasions but in nowise hurt one another.

Meditations, Book 9, Section I·philosophy, Wisdom, Ethics

He who is greedy of credit and reputation after his death, doth not consider, that they themselves by whom he is remembered, shall soon after every one of them be dead.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 16·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

It is high time for thee, to understand that there is somewhat in thee, better and more divine than either thy passions, or thy sensual appetites and affections.

Meditations, Book 12, Section XV·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

How free from all vanity he carried himself in matter of honour and dignity, (as they are esteemed:) his laboriousness and assiduity, his readiness to hear any man, that had aught to say tending to any common good.

Meditations, Book 1, Section XIII·Wisdom, self-improvement, philosophy

How many things be there, which when as a mere naturalist, thou hast barely considered of according to their nature, thou doest let pass without any further use?

Meditations, Book 10, Section IX·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

I continue my course by actions according to nature, until I fall and cease, breathing out my last breath into that air, by which continually breathed in I did live.

Meditations, Book 5, Section IV·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

For if any God or grave master standing by, should command any of us to think nothing by himself but what he should presently speak out; no man were able to endure it, though but for one day.

Meditations, Book 12, Section III·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

If in none of these, then neither in the ending and consummation of thy whole life, which is also but a cessation and change.

Meditations, Book 9, Section XIX·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

If reason is general, then is that reason also, which prescribeth what is to be done and what not, common unto all. If that, then law. If law, then are we fellow-citizens.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 4·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

If thou shalt find anything in this mortal life better than righteousness, than truth, temperance, fortitude, and in general better than a mind contented... apply thyself unto it with thy whole heart.

Meditations, Book 3, Section VII·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

I for my part will do what belongs unto me; as for other things, whether things unsensible or things irrational; or if rational, yet deceived and ignorant of the true way, they shall not trouble or distract me.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 21·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.

Meditations, Book 2, Section 11·philosophy, Stoicism, self-improvement

Let it be thy earnest and incessant care as a Roman and a man to perform whatsoever it is that thou art about, with true and unfeigned gravity, natural affection, freedom and justice: and as for all other cares, and imaginations, how thou mayest ease thy mind of them.

Meditations, Book 2, Section II·philosophy, Stoicism, self-improvement

Let not things future trouble thee. For if necessity so require that they come to pass, thou shalt (whensoever that is) be provided for them with the same reason, by which whatsoever is now present, is made both tolerable and acceptable unto thee.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 6·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

Let these be the objects of thy ordinary meditation: to consider, what manner of men both for soul and body we ought to be, whensoever death shall surprise us.

Meditations, Book 12, Section VI·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

To live happily is an inward power of the soul, when she is affected with indifferency, towards those things that are by their nature indifferent.

Meditations, Book 11, Section XV·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

A man cannot any whither retire better than to his own soul; he especially who is beforehand provided of such things within, which whensoever he doth withdraw himself to look in, may presently afford unto him perfect ease and tranquillity.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 3·philosophy, Stoicism, self-improvement

A man must not only consider how daily his life wasteth and decreaseth, but this also, that if he live long, he cannot be certain, whether his understanding shall continue so able and sufficient, for either discreet consideration, in matter of businesses; or for contemplation: it being the thing, whereon true knowledge of things both divine and human, doth depend.

Meditations, Book 3, Section I·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

In the mind that is once truly disciplined and purged, thou canst not find anything, either foul or impure, or as it were festered.

Meditations, Book 3, Section IX·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

In the morning when thou findest thyself unwilling to rise, consider with thyself presently, it is to go about a man's work that I am stirred up. Am I then yet unwilling to go about that, for which I myself was born and brought forth into this world?

Meditations, Book 5, Section I·philosophy, Stoicism, self-improvement

Of my grandfather Verus I have learned to be gentle and meek, and to refrain from all anger and passion.

Meditations, Book 1, Section I·Wisdom, self-improvement, philosophy

The natural properties, and privileges of a reasonable soul are: That she seeth herself; that she can order, and compose herself: that she makes herself as she will herself: that she reaps her own fruits whatsoever, whereas plants, trees, unreasonable creatures, what fruit whatsoever they bear, they bear them unto others, and not to themselves.

Meditations, Book 11, Section I·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

But never did any honest virtuous man repent of the neglect or omission of any carnal pleasure: no carnal pleasure then is either good or profitable.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 9·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

Never esteem of anything as profitable, which shall ever constrain thee either to break thy faith, or to lose thy modesty; to hate any man, to suspect, to curse, to dissemble, to lust after anything, that requireth the secret of walls or veils.

Meditations, Book 3, Section VIII·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

Not as though thou hadst thousands of years to live. Death hangs over thee: whilst yet thou livest, whilst thou mayest, be good.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 14·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

For nothing that is behoveful unto the whole, can be truly hurtful to that which is part of it.

Meditations, Book 10, Section VI·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

Our life is a warfare, and a mere pilgrimage. Fame after life is no better than oblivion. What is it then that will adhere and follow? Only one thing, philosophy.

Meditations, Book 2, Section XV·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

To read with diligence; not to rest satisfied with a light and superficial knowledge, nor quickly to assent to things commonly spoken of.

Meditations, Book 1, Section IV·Wisdom, self-improvement, philosophy

Remember how long thou hast already put off these things, and how often a certain day and hour as it were, having been set unto thee by the gods, thou hast neglected it. It is high time for thee to understand the true nature both of the world, whereof thou art a part; and of that Lord and Governor of the world, from whom, as a channel from the spring, thou thyself didst flow: and that there is but a certain limit of time appointed unto thee, which if thou shalt not make use of to calm and allay the many distempers of thy soul, it will pass away and thou with it, and never after return.

Meditations, Book 2, Section I·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

Remember that all is but opinion, and all opinion depends of the mind.

Meditations, Book 12, Section XVI·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

Remember this, that within a very little while, both thou and he shall both be dead, and after a little while more, not so much as your names and memories shall be remaining.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 6·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

Spend not the remnant of thy days in thoughts and fancies concerning other men, when it is not in relation to some common good.

Meditations, Book 3, Section IV·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

In such a flux and course of all things, what of these things that hasten so fast away should any man regard, since among all there is not any that a man may fasten and fix upon?

Meditations, Book 6, Section 14·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

Take heed lest at any times by doing anything that is contrary, thou be but improperly so called, and lose thy right to these appellations.

Meditations, Book 10, Section VIII·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

Take pains therefore to know what it is that thy nature requireth, and let nothing else distract thee.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 1·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

That inward mistress part of man if it be in its own true natural temper, is towards all worldly chances and events ever so disposed and affected, that it will easily turn and apply itself to that which may be, and is within its own power to compass, when that cannot be which at first it intended.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 1·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

That soul which is ever ready, even now presently (if need be) from the body, whether by way of extinction, or dispersion, or continuation in another place and estate to be separated, how blessed and happy is it!

Meditations, Book 11, Section III·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

The things themselves that affect us, they stand without doors, neither knowing anything themselves nor able to utter anything unto others concerning themselves. What then is it, that passeth verdict on them? The understanding.

Meditations, Book 9, Section XIII·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

The things themselves (which either to get or to avoid thou art put to so much trouble) come not unto thee themselves; but thou in a manner goest unto them.

Meditations, Book 11, Section X·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

Think thyself fit and worthy to speak, or to do anything that is according to nature, and let not the reproach, or report of some that may ensue upon it, ever deter thee.

Meditations, Book 5, Section III·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

Thou must comfort thyself in the expectation of thy natural dissolution, and in the meantime not grieve at the delay; but rest contented in those two things.

Meditations, Book 5, Section X·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

Thou must not in matter of death carry thyself scornfully, but as one that is well pleased with it, as being one of those things that nature hath appointed.

Meditations, Book 9, Section III·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

Thou shalt one day be full, and in want of no external thing: not seeking pleasure from anything, either living or insensible, that this world can afford; neither wanting time for the continuation of thy pleasure, nor place and opportunity, nor the favour either of the weather or of men.

Meditations, Book 10, Section I·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

Thou therefore must be one of them, who what they do, barely do it without any further thought, and are in a manner insensible of what they do.

Meditations, Book 5, Section VI·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

The time when thou shalt have forgotten all things, is at hand. And that time also is at hand, when thou thyself shalt be forgotten by all. Whilst thou art, apply thyself to that especially which unto man as he is a mart, is most proper and agreeable, and that is, for a man even to love them that transgress against him.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 16·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

The true joy of a man, is to do that which properly belongs unto a man.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 25·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

True liberty, and unvariable steadfastness, and not to regard anything at all, though never so little, but right and reason.

Meditations, Book 1, Section V·Wisdom, self-improvement, philosophy

For it is the truth that I seek after, by which I am sure that never any man was hurt; and as sure, that he is hurt that continueth in any error, or ignorance whatsoever.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 20·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

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

Meditations, Book 10, Section 16·philosophy, Stoicism, self-improvement

It were indeed more happy and comfortable, for a man to depart out of this world, having lived all his life long clear from all falsehood, dissimulation, voluptuousness, and pride.

Meditations, Book 9, Section II·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

Whatsoever any man either doth or saith, thou must be good; not for any man's sake, but for thine own nature's sake; as if either gold, or the emerald, or purple, should ever be saying to themselves, Whatsoever any man either doth or saith, I must still be an emerald, and I must keep my colour.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 12·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

Whatsoever is besides either is already past, or uncertain. The time therefore that any man doth live, is but a little, and the place where he liveth, is but a very little corner of the earth.

Meditations, Book 3, Section X·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement

Whatsoever it be that happens unto thee, it is that which from all time was appointed unto thee.

Meditations, Book 10, Section V·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

Whatsoever dieth and falleth, however and wheresoever it die and fall, it cannot fall out of the world, here it have its abode and change, here also shall it have its dissolution into its proper elements.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 16·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

whatsoever it is that naturally doth happen to things natural, hath somewhat in itself that is pleasing and delightful.

Meditations, Book 3, Section II·philosophy, Wisdom, Nature

Whatsoever thou doest hereafter aspire unto, thou mayest even now enjoy and possess, if thou doest not envy thyself thine own happiness.

Meditations, Book 12, Section I·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

Whatsoever thou dost affect, whatsoever thou dost project, so do, and so project all, as one who, for aught thou knowest, may at this very present depart out of this life.

Meditations, Book 2, Section VIII·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

What then do I care for more than this, that my present action whatsoever it be, may be the proper action of one that is reasonable; whose end is, the common good; who in all things is ruled and governed by the same law of right and reason, by which God Himself is.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 2·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

What is wickedness? It is that which many time and often thou hast already seen and known in the world. And so oft as anything doth happen that might otherwise trouble thee, let this memento presently come to thy mind, that it is that which thou hast already often Seen and known.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 1·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

Whensoever any man doth trespass against other, presently consider with thyself what it was that he did suppose to be good, what to be evil, when he did trespass. For this when thou knowest, thou wilt pity him thou wilt have no occasion either to wonder, or to be angry.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 19·philosophy, Stoicism, Wisdom

Whensoever by some present hard occurrences thou art constrained to be in some sort troubled and vexed, return unto thyself as soon as may be, and be not out of tune longer than thou must needs.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 9·philosophy, Wisdom, self-improvement