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
Live out your life in truth and justice, tolerant of those who are neither true nor just.
Interpretation
Live authentically and justly, while accepting that not everyone will share these values.
This quote from Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of living one's life with truth and justice as guiding principles. It encourages individuals to maintain their integrity and moral values even in the face of others who may not embody the same qualities. The call for tolerance suggests a balanced approach, recognizing that while striving for personal virtue is crucial, it is equally important to understand and accept the differing beliefs and behaviors of others.
In practice
In a motivational speech about maintaining personal integrity.
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.
Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement: he is a rebel who must lay down his arms.
What leads us astray is confusing more choices with more control. Because it is not clear that the more choices you have the more in control you feel. We have more choices than we've ever had before.
This I can declare: things that are in heaven are more real than things that are in the world.
Remarkably, governments are beginning to embrace the idea that nothing enhances democracy more than giving voice and information to everybody in the country. Why not open their books if they have nothing to hide?
In a way, women are a psychic immigrant group.
If we don't take responsibility for each other, it seems to me the future is going to be even bleaker.
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