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
That which is not good for the bee-hive cannot be good for the bees.
Interpretation
What harms the community ultimately harms the individuals within it.
This quote by Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the interconnectedness of individual well-being and the well-being of the community. It suggests that actions and decisions that negatively impact the collective are detrimental to every member; thus, the health of society and individuals is intertwined, highlighting the importance of making choices that benefit not only oneself but also the larger group.
In practice
In a community meeting discussing environmental initiatives, this quote could be used to emphasize the importance of collective action.
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.
You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
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.
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.
You don't have to turn this into something. It doesn't have to upset you. Things can't shape our decisions by themselves.
A man's worth is no greater than his ambitions.
Worse that drugs is drug trafficking. Much worse. Drugs are a disease, and I don't think that there are good drugs or that marijuana is good. Nor cigarettes. No addiction is good. I include alcohol. The only good addiction is love. Forget everything else.
I find more and more, as I grow older, that I prefer women to men, children to adults, animals to humans.... And rocks to living things? No, I'm not that old yet.
A religion made up solely of heightened religious experiences would not be a religion at all. ...The major religious traditions address the mysteries (with or without entheogens), but they have other business to do: widen understanding, give meaning, provide solace, promote loving-kindness, and connect human being to human being.
When morals are sufficient, law is unnecessary; when morals are insufficient, law is unenforceable.
Who then is free? The one who wisely is lord of themselves, who neither poverty, death or captivity terrify, who is strong to resist his appetites and shun honors, and is complete in themselves smooth and round like a globe
Everything is vain and tortures the spirit instead of calming and satisfying it.
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