I have often wondered how it is that every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinions of himself than on the opinions of others.
Marcus AureliusRead
Why should anyone be afraid of change? What can take place without it? What can be more pleasing or more suitable to universal nature? Can you take your bath without the firewood undergoing a change? Can you eat without the food undergoing a change? And can anything useful be done without change? Don't you see that for you to change is just the same, and is equally necessary for universal nature?
Interpretation
What this quote means
Change is a natural and necessary aspect of life that should not be feared.
In this quote, Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the inevitability and importance of change in life. He argues that change is fundamental to the existence of everything around us and challenges the notion that we should fear it, highlighting that both personal and universal transformations are essential for growth and progress.
Themes
ChangeNatureGrowthFearTransformation
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational talk about embracing new opportunities.
More from Marcus Aurelius
All quotes →You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
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Do 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.
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Vex not thy spirit at the course of things; they heed not thy vexation. How ludicrous and outlandish is astonishment at anything that may happen in life.
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You don't have to turn this into something. It doesn't have to upset you. Things can't shape our decisions by themselves.
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A man's worth is no greater than his ambitions.
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