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
The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Your happiness is influenced by your thoughts, so maintain positive and virtuous thinking.
This quote emphasizes the importance of conscious thought management in achieving happiness. Marcus Aurelius suggests that the quality of our thoughts plays a crucial role in our life satisfaction and urges us to cultivate virtuous and reasonable ideas to promote well-being.
Themes
HappinessThoughtsVirtueMindfulnessQuality Of Life
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about mental health, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of positive thinking.
More from Marcus Aurelius
All quotes βYou 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.
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.
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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.
Marcus AureliusRead
A man's worth is no greater than his ambitions.
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