Marcus Aurelius

[Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus] (121 – 180) was Roman Emperor from 161 to 180. Marcus Aurelius' work Meditations, written in Greek while on campaign between 170 and 180, is still revered as a literary monument to a government of service and duty. It serves as an example of how Aurelius approached the Platonic ideal of a philosopher-king and how he symbolized much of what was best about Roman civilization. Marcus Aurelius took on the reputation of a philosopher king within his lifetime, and the title would remain his after death; both Cassius Dio called him "the philosopher".


Every morning we should say to ourselves, "today I welcome this arrogant person...and this dishonest person...and this angry person." For regardless of their attitudes, these people are our brothers. They are not evil, for they act out of ignorance.

And no one – however persuasive they may be – can force us to be angry or upset.

If I attack a brother, I am attacking all my brothers.

To be angry with a brother is to be angry with myself.

This moment may be your last on earth; remember this, and choose every thought and act carefully. Remember, too, that to leave the earth is nothing to be afraid of, for the nature of the Universe is eternal and good.

Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.

We must learn to train our minds, to avoid useless and painful lines of thought. We must learn to focus our minds on thoughts which bring us joy. A person with such a mind is a light to the community, and one who is using his gifts aright. Such a person understands that he is kin to all others. He knows that his role is to care for his neighbors without seeking their good opinion. He is neither shaken by praise nor blame.

You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. It is in your power to return to life.

Leave the wrong where the wrong was done.

Today I freed myself of all troublesome events – for I learned that trouble is not outside my mind, but inside, in my interpretations.

Look at this man’s actions – does he act out of ignorance or out of purpose? Either way, remember that his soul and yours are one and the same.

When someone’s rudeness shocks you, immediately ask yourself, "Is it is possible for rudeness to vanish from the world?" It is not – so meet such rudeness with forgiveness and patience. Have the same thing ready for every troublemaker, every liar, and every wrongdoer. Remember too what virtue God gave to balance this mistake, and make this virtue part of you.

A man separates himself from another when he attacks or condemns. He does not realize that, in doing this, he has broken himself off from the whole.

The goal in life is to see all things as they are; to act with the heart, and to speak the truth. When this is done, what remains except to enjoy life, joining one good day to another so that there is no gap in between?