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
It is within our power not to make a judgement about something, and so not disturb our minds; for nothing in itself possesses the power to form our judgements.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We have the ability to choose not to judge, which helps maintain our mental peace.
This quote by Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the idea that our judgments are not dictated by external circumstances but are rather within our control. By choosing not to form judgments about things, we can protect our minds from unnecessary disturbances and maintain a state of tranquility, suggesting that peace of mind often comes from internal choices rather than external factors.
Themes
JudgmentMindPeaceControlPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a meditation class, to encourage focus on inner peace, one could quote this saying.
More from Marcus Aurelius
All quotes βYou 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
He who serves his brother best gets nearer God than all the rest.
Alexander PopeRead
In order to arouse sympathy, the aristocracy was obliged to lose sight, apparently, of its own interests, and to formulate its indictment against the bourgeoisie in the interest of the exploited working class alone. Thus, the aristocracy took their revenge by singing lampoons on their new masters and whispering in his ears sinister prophesies of coming catastrophe.
Karl MarxRead
I take it that 'gentleman' is a term that only describes a person in his relation to others; but when we speak of him as 'a man,' we consider him not merely with regard to his fellow-men, but in relation to himself,--to life--to time--to eternity.
Elizabeth GaskellRead
The majority of philosophers are totally humorless. That's part of their trouble.
Bernard WilliamsRead
God had only one Son, and He was a missionary.
David LivingstoneRead
We want to be in control of our lives. Whether we are jungle fighters, craftsmen, company men, gamesmen, we want to be in control. And when the government erodes that control, we are not comfortable.
Barbara JordanRead