Marcus Aurelius

Cinna wishes to seem poor, and is poor

Think on this doctrine, - that reasoning beings were created for one another's sake; that to be patient is a branch of justice, and that men sin without intending it.

We ought to do good to others as simply as a horse runs, or a bee makes honey, or a vine bears grapes season after season without thinking of the grapes it has borne.

Everything - a horse, a vine - is created for some duty... For what task, then, were you yourself created?

Search men's governing principles, and consider the wise, what they shun and what they cleave to.

Think of what you have rather than of what you lack. Of the things you have, select the best and then reflect how eagerly you would have sought them if you did not have them.

As far as you can, get into the habit of asking yourself in relation to any action taken by another: "What is his point of reference here?" But begin with yourself: examine yourself first.

You have to assemble your life yourself - action by action.

Anything in any way beautiful derives its beauty from itself and asks nothing beyond itself. Praise is no part of it, for nothing is made worse or better by praise.

That which is not good for the bee-hive cannot be good for the bees.

As for life, it is a battle and a sojourning in a strange land; but the fame that comes after is oblivion.

Just as nature takes every obstacle, every impediment, and works around it--turns it to its purposes, incorporates it into itself, so, too, a rational being can turn each setback into raw material and use it to achieve its goal.

Be like the rocky headland on which the waves constantly break. It stands firm, and round it the seething waters are laid to rest.

Death is a release from the impressions of the senses, and from desires that make us their puppets, and from the vagaries of the mind, and from the hard service of the flesh.

Accustom yourself not to be disregarding of what someone else has to say: as far as possible enter into the mind of the speaker.

Be not as one that hath ten thousand years to live; death is nigh at hand: while thou livest, while thou hast time, be good.

Reject your sense of injury, and the injury itself disappears.

Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.

Both happiness and unhappiness depend on perception

One of the recurring themes in Marcus' handbook is leadership's responsibility to work intelligently with what it is given and not waste time fantasizing about a world of flawless people and perfect choices.

A man should be upright, not kept upright.