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
Run down the list of those who felt intense anger at something: the most famous, the most unfortunate, the most hated, the most whatever: Where is all that now? Smoke, dust, legend...or not even a legend. Think of all the examples. And how trivial the things we want so passionately are.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the fleeting nature of anger and the triviality of our passions.
Marcus Aurelius, a Stoic philosopher, contemplates the temporary and inconsequential nature of anger and personal grievances. He encourages reflection on how the historical figures we remember for their anger or passion eventually fade into obscurity, emphasizing that the things we care deeply about may ultimately be trivial in the grand scheme of life.
In practice
During a team meeting to discuss personal growth, one could use this quote to highlight the futility of holding onto anger.
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.
Boredom is just the reverse side of fascination.
Today, more than ever before, life must be characterized by a sense of Universal responsibility, not only nation to nation and human to human, but also human to other forms of life.
The State is concentric, but the individual is eccentric.
By simple common sense I don't believe in God, in none.
Of all the things of a man's soul which he has within him, justice is the greatest good and injustice the greatest evil.
Every idea, extended into infinity, becomes its own opposite.
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