“Ignoring what goes on in other people’s souls-no one ever came to grief that way. “How much time gains he who does not look to see what his neighbor says or does or thinks, but only at what he does himself.” “The best revenge is to not be like your enemy.” Things can’t shape our decisions by themselves.” “You don’t have to turn this into something. You’ll find you don’t need to strain to impress him…” “When you face someone’s insults, hatred, whatever. “Choose not to be harmed-and you won’t feel harmed.” It takes the things before it and interprets them as it sees fit.” It is moved and directed by itself alone. They have no access to it, cannot move or direct it. “It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinion than our own.” Of this, you may rid yourself, when you will.” “If it be a thing external that causes you grief, know that it is not that which causes it, but your own opinion concerning the thing. “Shame on the soul, to falter on the road of life while the body still perseveres.” “…understand however that every man is worth just so much as the things are worth about which he busies himself.” The book itself is concise and full of other useful insights, so it’s definitely worth a read if you’re interested in the topic. Aurelius’ writing on Stoicism is best represented in Meditations, a book which is frequently mentioned as one of the greatest texts ever written on the topic of practical philosophy.īelow is a collection of quotes, which cover some of the useful concepts that Aurelius shares in his writing, followed by advice on how to implement these lessons in your life.

Marcus Aurelius was an eminent Roman emperor and one of the most influential writers on the topic of Stoicism, which is a philosophy that revolves around seeking virtue in life, without letting yourself be ruled by negative emotions.

Stoicism meditation