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
You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of self-control and the understanding that we can only control our thoughts, not external circumstances.
Marcus Aurelius reminds us that true power lies within our own minds. By recognizing that we cannot control external events but can manage our thoughts and perceptions about them, we gain internal strength and resilience. This insight encourages individuals to focus on their attitudes and reactions rather than on attempting to manipulate the world around them.
Themes
PowerMindControlStrengthThoughts
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote in a motivational speech about mental resilience.
More from Marcus Aurelius
All quotes βDo 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
A person's life is dyed with the color of his imagination.
Marcus AureliusRead
Similar quotes
A man of sense only trifles with them, plays with them, humors and flatters them, as he does with a sprightly and forward child; but he neither consults them about, nor trusts them with, serious matters.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
It helps to write down half a dozen things which are worrying me. Two of them, say, disappear; about two of them nothing can be done, so it's no use worrying; and two perhaps can be settled.
Winston ChurchillRead
Believe that with your feelings and your work you are taking part in the greatest; the more strongly you cultivate this belief, the more will reality and the world go forth from it.
Rainer Maria RilkeRead
Would you learn the secret of the sea? Only those who brave its dangers, comprehend its mystery!
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
Most ignorance is vincible ignorance. We don't know because we don't want to know.
Aldous HuxleyRead
Self-publishing provides more freedom and control, but it also provides more risk. Publishing provides more credibility and promotion, but your vision can also get lost in the bureaucratic machinery of the business. It's a tough decision to make.
Mark MansonRead