That which has died falls not out of the universe. If it stays here, it also changes here, and is dissolved into its proper parts, which are elements of the universe and of thyself. And these too change, and they murmur not".
Marcus Aurelius...if a man comes to his fortieth year, and has any understanding at all, he has virtually seen - thanks to their similarity - all possible happenings, both past and to come.
Marcus AureliusOur inward power, when it obeys nature, reacts to events by accommodating itself to what it faces - to what is possible. It needs no specific material. It pursues its own aims as circumstances allow; it turns obstacles into fuel. As a fire overwhelms what would have quenched a lamp. What's thrown on top of the conflagration is absorbed, consumed by it - and makes it burn still higher.
Marcus AureliusAdapt yourself to the life you have been given; and truly love the people with whom destiny has surrounded you.
Marcus AureliusBe like the rocky headland on which the waves constantly break. It stands firm, and round it the seething waters are laid to rest.
Marcus AureliusIn death, Alexander of Macedon's end differed no whit from his stable-boy's. Either both were received into the same generative principle of the universe, or both alike were dispersed into atoms.
Marcus AureliusLook back over the past, with its changing empires that rose and fell, and you can foresee the future, too.
Marcus AureliusYou have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
Marcus AureliusDo not act as if you were going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be good.
Marcus AureliusNever esteem anything as of advantage to you that will make you break your word or lose your self-respect.
Marcus AureliusIf unwilling to rise in the morning, say to thyself, 'I awake to do the work of a man.'
Marcus AureliusThink 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.
Marcus AureliusWhich is recorded of Socrates, that he was able both to abstain from, and to enjoy, those things which many are too weak to abstain from, and cannot enjoy without excess. But to be strong enough both to bear the one and to be sober in the other is the mark of a man who has a perfect and invincible soul.
Marcus AureliusTime is like a river made up of the events which happen, and a violent stream; for as soon as a thing has been seen, it is carried away, and another comes in its place, and this will be carried away too.
Marcus AureliusTo no man make yourself a boon companion: Your joy will be less but less will be your grief
Marcus AureliusNeither in thy actions be sluggish nor in thy conversation without method, nor wandering in thy thoughts, nor let there be in thy soul inward contention nor external effusion, nor in life be so busy as to have no leisure.
Marcus AureliusAs the same fire assumes different shapes When it consumes objects differing in shape, So does the one Self take the shape Of every creature in whom he is present.
Marcus AureliusSuch as are thy habitual thoughts, such also will be the character of thy mind; for the soul is dyed by the thoughts.
Marcus AureliusIn the morning, when you are sluggish about getting up, let this thought be present: 'I am rising to a man's work.'
Marcus AureliusRemember that what pulls the strings is the force hidden within; there lies the power to persuade, there the life, - there, if one must speak out, the real man.
Marcus AureliusPast and future have no power over you. Just the present - and even that can be minimized.
Marcus AureliusThough thou be destined to live three thousand years and as many myriads besides, yet remember that no man loseth other life than that which he liveth, nor liveth other than that which he loseth.
Marcus AureliusBecause a thing seems difficult for you, do not think it impossible for anyone to accomplish.
Marcus AureliusAmbition means tying your well-being to what other people say or do. Self-indulgence means tying it to the things that happen to you. Sanity means tying it to your own actions.
Marcus AureliusIt is not the actions of others which trouble us (for those actions are controlled by their governing part), but rather it is our own judgments. Therefore remove those judgments and resolve to let go of your anger, and it will already be gone. How do you let go? By realizing that such actions are not shameful to you.
Marcus AureliusEvery moment think steadily as a Roman and a man to do what thou hast in hand with perfect and simple dignity, and feeling of affection, and freedom, and justice; and to give thyself relief from all other thoughts. And thou wilt give thyself relief, if thou doest every act of thy life as if it were the last, laying aside all carelessness and passionate aversion from the commands of reason, and all hypocrisy, and self-love, and discontent with the portion which has been given to thee.
Marcus AureliusGod sees the inner spirit stripped of flesh, skin, and all debris. For his own mind only touches the spirit that he has allowed to flow from himself into our bodies. And if you can act the same way, you will rid yourself of all suffering. For surely if you are not preoccupied with the body that encloses you, you will not trouble yourself about clothes, houses, fame, and other showy trappings.
Marcus Aurelius