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
Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.
Interpretation
Instead of debating ideals, focus on embodying the qualities of a good person.
This quote by Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of action over discussion when it comes to moral character. Rather than spending time in pointless arguments about the traits that constitute a 'good man', Aurelius urges individuals to embody those traits in their own lives, highlighting the significance of personal responsibility and integrity.
In practice
During a leadership seminar focusing on personal development.
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.
If you protect a man from folly, you will soon have a nation of fools.
After all, if you make your enemy look like a fool, you lose the justification for engaging him.
Nothing in this world is to be feared... only understood.
Embrace suffering, and you transform your relationship with what causes you to suffer, as well as your relationship with suffering itself.
As meditation goes deep you will feel less and less desires, more and more contentment with whatsoever you have. There will be less and less desire for that which you don't have, and more and more contentment with whatsoever you have. As meditation goes deeper, a very contented consciousness evolves. Ultimately there is no desire, only contentment.
You are your greatest investment. The more you store in that mind of yours, the more you enrich your experience, the more people you meet, the more books you read, and the more places you visit, the greater is that investment in all that you are. Everything that you add to your peace of mind, and to your outlook upon life, is added capital that no one but yourself can dissipate.
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