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
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.
In practice
During a motivational speech about mental health.
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.
All right - I'll tell you what you did for me: you went for happy, silly, beautiful walks with me.
Happy the man whose wish and care a few paternal acres bound, content to breathe his native air in his own ground.
Be grateful for your life, every detail of it, _x000D_ and your face will come to shine like a sun, _x000D_ and everyone who sees it will _x000D_ be made glad and peaceful.
I have perceiv’d that to be with those I like is enough, To stop in company with the rest at evening is enough, To be surrounded by beautiful, curious, breathing, laughing flesh is enough, To pass among them, or touch any one, or rest my arm ever so lightly round his or her neck for a moment—what is this, then? I do not ask any more delight—I swim in it, as in a sea.
The happy man needs nothing and no one. Not that he holds himself aloof, for indeed he is in harmony with everything and everyone; everything is "in him"; nothing can happen to him. The same may also be said for the contemplative person; he needs himself alone; he lacks nothing.
I'm a happy man, because I am successful in what I do, of course; but what makes me most happy is I have people around me that I love and who love me back. This, for me, is the most important thing. Nobody likes to be alone.
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