QuoteProject
Things themselves cannot touch the soul, not in the least degree, nor have they admission to the soul nor can they turn or move the soul: it turns and moves itself alone and whatever judgment it may think proper to make, such it makes by remaking for itself the things that present themselves to it
Marcus Aurelius
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The soul is self-governing and is not influenced by external objects or circumstances.

This quote by Marcus Aurelius highlights the idea that our perceptions and judgments are shaped internally rather than being dictated by external realities. It emphasizes the autonomy of the human soul, asserting that true power lies within us to interpret and respond to the world as we choose, independent of the physical conditions surrounding us.

Themes

SoulPerceptionAutonomyJudgmentInner Strength

In practice

Example use cases

During a meditation retreat, one might refer to this quote to illustrate the importance of inner reflection.

More from Marcus Aurelius

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.
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

Similar quotes

The idea of death, the fear of it, haunts the human animal like nothing else; it is a mainspring of human activity - designed largely to avoid the fatality of death, to overcome it by denying in some way that it is the final destiny of man.
Ernest BeckerRead
One of the marks of a certain type of bad man is that he cannot give up a thing himself without wanting everyone else to give it up.
C. S. LewisRead
Adoration is the spontaneous yearning of the heart to worship, honor, magnify, and bless God. We ask nothing but to cherish him. We seek nothing but his exaltation. We focus on nothing but his goodness.
Richard J. FosterRead
If you are an adult, you are responsible for your life and well-being. No one owes you the fulfillment of your needs or wants; no one is here on earth to serve you. If you respect the principle of self-ownership, you understand that no one else owns you and that you do not own anyone else. Only on this understanding can there be peace on earth and good will among human beings.
Nathaniel BrandenRead
Suffering has a noble purpose: the evolution of consciousness and the burning up of the ego.
Eckhart TolleRead
Anyone can be heroic from time to time, but a gentleman is something you have to be all the time.
Luigi PirandelloRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.