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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Happiness is largely determined by the way we think and perceive life.
This quote by Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the pivotal role that our thoughts play in shaping our happiness. It suggests that the quality of our internal dialogue, beliefs, and perspectives directly impacts our overall well-being and satisfaction with life, implying that cultivating positive and constructive thoughts can lead to a more fulfilling life experience.
Themes
HappinessThoughtsQualityLifeMindset
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about mental health.
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
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Men find happiness neither by means of the body nor through possessions, but through uprightness and wisdom.
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We are tempted to believe that certain achievements and possessions will give us enduring satisfaction. We are invited to imagine ourselves scaling the steep cliff face of happiness in order to reach a wide, high plateau on which we will live out the rest of our lives; we are not reminded that soon after gaining the summit, we will be called down again into fresh lowlands of anxiety and desire.
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Have the will to be well, to be happy, and to live in joy.
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The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.
Benjamin FranklinRead