Marcus Aurelius was more than a Roman Emperor. He was a Stoic philosopher who turned his daily reflections into one of the most enduring books in philosophy: Meditations. His thoughts, intended just for himself, continue to speak to millions around the world.
In this post, we’ll explore the top ten quotes by Marcus Aurelius. Timeless reminders of how to live well, stay grounded, and think clearly in a chaotic world.
1. On the Power of Thought
“The things you think about determine the quality of your mind. Your soul takes on the color of your thoughts.”
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 5.16
Your thoughts and beliefs shape how you experience everything. If they are chaotic or negative, this will be reflected in your life. Learn to base your thoughts on reality and not jump to judgments. Your mind, soul, and world will change to a brighter color.
Book a free consultation to help you apply these concepts to your life.
Practice: Start to identify negative or destructive thoughts, pause, and see how you can reframe them.
2. On Living Fully
“You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.”
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 2.11
Memento mori, the Stoic practice of contemplating mortality. This is not a way to instill fear, but to face reality. Reminding yourself that this life will end should increase your gratitude in the present and focus on what your priorities are.
Practice: Begin the day by asking, “If this were my last, what would truly matter?”
3. On the Present Moment
“Forget everything else. Keep hold of this alone and remember it: each of us lives only now, this brief instant. The rest has been lived already, or is impossible to see.”
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 3.10
This is Stoic mindfulness at its core. The past is gone, the future uncertain. What we have, what we always have, is this breath, this moment, this choice. When you feel overwhelmed or stressed, redirect your focus to the task at hand. The rest is irrelevant.
Practice: When your mind drifts, gently repeat to yourself: “Only now. Only this.”
4. On Dealing with Others
“When you wake up in the morning, tell yourself: the people I deal with today will be meddling, ungrateful, arrogant, dishonest, jealous, and surly.”
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 2.1
Marcus Aurelius reminded himself that in his job as the Emperor, he would meet people with different standards of life. But this did not mean that he should drop to their level. In order to deal with them, he prepared himself mentally before meeting them.
Practice: Begin each day with the preparation of the people you might meet. Focus on staying steady.
5. On Reason Over Emotion
“External things are not the problem. It’s your assessment of them. Which you can erase right now.”
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 8.47
This is one of the most empowering Stoic principles: we are never forced to feel disturbed. Our judgments give power to events, and we can take it back. This is also why Stoicism is the foundational building block of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Practice: The next time something upsets you, pause. Remind yourself: “This is just an impression. I can let it go.”
6. On Nature and Acceptance
“That every event is the right one. Look closely and you’ll see. Not just the right one overall, but right.”
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 4.10
Amor Fati is a concept popularized by Nietzsche that captures the Stoic idea of acceptance in a profound way. Not just to accept fate, but to embrace and love it. The event itself is exactly the way it should be, but what we do based on it is our moral choice.
Practice: The next time something throws you off, ask: “What makes this moment right, right now?”
7. On Simplicity
“You don’t need much to live happily.”
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 7.67
True happiness isn’t built on externals, such as wealth, success, or possessions. It comes from recognizing how little we need, and how much of what we seek is already within us. As the Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius experienced this firsthand.
“It’s quite possible to be a good man without anyone realizing it.”
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 7.67
He continued his entry in his Meditations by adding that doing good needs to be done for the soul, not for an audience.
Practice: Look at your day and ask: What is distracting me from being a good person?
8. On Doing Good
“To stop talking about what the good man is like, and just be one.”
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 10.16
A wake-up call. Less theory, more action. Stoicism is practical philosophy, grounded in daily choices. While knowing how to live is important, it is in its application that the true value of Stoicism is seen.
Practice: Choose one act of integrity today, even if no one sees it.
9. On Endurance
“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 5.20
We tend to see our obstacles as bad things to happen to us. But when we use them for what they are, a test, a push in the back, or an eye-opener, then we can find the way to grow. It’s the friction that sharpens a knife.
Practice: Identify your biggest current obstacle, then ask, “How can I use it?”
10. On Letting Go
“Choose not to be harmed — and you won’t feel harmed. Don’t feel harmed — and you haven’t been.”
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 4.7
Words and actions by others can’t harm us unless we give them that power. We can decide whether we judge something as harmful or not. The only hurt we can cause ourselves is if we don’t act from our reason and logic and give up our moral choice.
Practice: When insulted or criticized, pause. Ask if you must take it personally, and if it hurts, find out why it hurts.
Marcus Aurelius left behind more than commands or theories. He left guidance for a meaningful life. A Stoic life. Let these quotes be a lens, not just to look at life, but to live it.
🖋️ Journaling Prompt: Which of these quotes speaks to your current mindset? Why? How can you apply it today?
Book a free consultation with one of our Stoic Coaches to get support. Or read more quotes on our Marcus Aurelius Quotes page. Listen to the Via Stoica Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marcus Aurelius best known for?
Marcus Aurelius is best known as a Roman Emperor and a Stoic philosopher. His private writings, collected as Meditations, offer timeless reflections on life, duty, and virtue.
How can I apply Marcus Aurelius’ teachings to everyday challenges?
Focus on what you can control. Marcus reminds us that events themselves aren’t harmful; it’s our judgment that causes distress. Choose clarity over reaction.
What does Marcus Aurelius say about living in the present?
He urges us to hold on to the present moment: “Each of us lives only now, this brief instant.” (Meditations, 3.10). Practicing presence is essential to Stoic peace.
Why is Marcus Aurelius relevant today?
His reflections on resilience, simplicity, and mindset are timeless. Whether dealing with modern stress or ethical dilemmas, his words remain grounding and wise.
Are these quotes authentic?
Yes. All quotes come directly from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, with book and section references.
Where can I find more Stoic quotes?
You can find hundreds of verified quotes on our Marcus Aurelius Quotes page.
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