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
Such as are your habitual thoughts, such also will be the character of your mind; for the soul is dyed by the thoughts.
Interpretation
Your character and soul are shaped by your habitual thoughts.
This quote by Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the profound impact that our thoughts have on our character and overall being. It suggests that the nature of our soul and mind is influenced by what we consistently think about, indicating that cultivating positive thoughts can lead to a better character and a more fulfilling life.
In practice
During a motivational speech about self-improvement, this quote can reinforce the idea of positive thinking.
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.
We make a space inside ourselves, so that being can speak.
I am still so naïve; I know pretty much what I like and dislike; but please, don’t ask me who I am. A passionate, fragmentary girl, maybe?
I preach there are all kinds of truth, your truth and somebody else's. But behind all of them there is only one truth and that is that there's no truth.
They [anarchists] spring from a single seed, no matter the flowering of their ideas. The seed is liberty. And that is all it is. It is not a socialist seed. It is not a capitalist seed. It is not a mystical seed. It is not a determinist seed. It is simply a statement. We can be free. After that it’s all choice and chance.
Well-spent aid money is saving lives for a few thousand dollars per life saved.
We see the world piece by piece, as the sun, the moon, the animal, the tree; but the whole, of which these are shining parts, is the soul.
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