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
Art thou angry with him whose armpits stink? Art thou angry with him whose mouth smells foul?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the nature of anger and the acceptance of human imperfections.
In this quote, Marcus Aurelius questions the rationale behind feeling anger towards someone who has imperfections, such as body odor. It encourages a sense of understanding and compassion toward others, reminding us that everyone has their flaws and that anger is not a productive response to the natural human condition.
Themes
AngerAcceptanceImperfectionsCompassionHumanity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about managing conflict in relationships.
More from Marcus Aurelius
All quotes βYou have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
Marcus AureliusRead
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.
Marcus AureliusRead
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.
Marcus AureliusRead
You don't have to turn this into something. It doesn't have to upset you. Things can't shape our decisions by themselves.
Marcus AureliusRead
A man's worth is no greater than his ambitions.
Marcus AureliusRead
Similar quotes
For the saddest epitaph which can be carved in memory of a vanished freedom is that it was lost because its possessors failed to stretch forth a saving hand while there was still time.
George SutherlandRead
Everything is already perfect. And if you can accept that everything is already perfect, the imperfection is a part of the perfection. What's to worry about?
Alice WalkerRead
We've placed a lot of emphasis in this country on the idea of people's rights. That's how it should be, but it makes no sense to talk about rights without also talking about responsibilities.
Randy PauschRead
It is easy enough to praise men for the courage of their convictions. I wish I could teach the sad young of this mealy generation the courage of their confusions.
John CiardiRead
I am a fragment of a mirror whose whole design and shape I do not know. Nevertheless, with what I have - I can reflect light into the dark places of this world - into the black places in the hearts of men - and change somethings in some people. Perhaps others may see and do likewise. This is what I am about. This is the meaning of my life.
Robert FulghumRead
Take what you can yourself, and don't let others get you into their hands; to belong to oneself, that is the whole thing in life.
Ivan TurgenevRead