Why does Marcus Aurelius on living fully still matter today?
To live fully like Marcus Aurelius means to recognize that the only life you ever truly possess is the one you are living right now, and to give that life your full attention and care.
“You cannot lose another life than the one you’re living now, or live another one than the one you’re losing.”
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 2.14
Most people spend their days somewhere else, worrying about tomorrow, regretting yesterday, or wishing for a different life altogether. But this Marcus Aurelius reflection on living fully reminds us that such distractions are forms of self-neglect. The Stoic path begins with presence: seeing clearly what is in front of you and realizing that this, right here, is your life.
Marcus invites us to ask: Am I really living, or just thinking about life? The Stoics taught that wisdom begins when we stop trying to control time and start aligning with nature, by living in accordance with reason, moment by moment.
How to live fully like Marcus Aurelius
- Pause before reacting. When something irritates or surprises you, breathe before responding. That pause gives you back ownership of your mind.
- Engage with what’s in front of you. Whether it’s a conversation, a task, or a sunset, be completely there. Presence is practice.
- End each day with gratitude. Before sleep, reflect on what was within your control and what wasn’t, and appreciate the simple fact that you lived another day with awareness.
These Stoic lessons on the present moment show that living fully is less about adding more to life and more about removing what distracts you from it. Freedom is not found in changing your circumstances, but in changing your relationship to them.
When you practice Marcus Aurelius’ view on living fully, you begin to see that life isn’t waiting somewhere else. It is here, now, and the wise person lives it deeply, without fear of losing what is already passing.
FAQ
What does Marcus Aurelius mean by living fully?
He means focusing on the present moment, living each day as if it were your whole life, rather than chasing what lies outside your control.
How does Stoicism help you live fully?
Stoicism teaches presence, self-mastery, and awareness. By focusing on what’s up to you and letting go of the rest, you make each moment meaningful.
What stops us from living fully according to Marcus Aurelius?
Our attachment to the past and anxiety about the future. The Stoic cure is to return to reason and act well in the present.
Want to explore more Stoic practices?
Book a free consultation with one of our Stoic Coaches or read more on the Marcus Aurelius Quotes page. You can also listen to the Via Stoica podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts or watch it on YouTube.
Author Bio
Benny Voncken is the co-founder of Via Stoica, where he helps people apply Stoic philosophy to modern life. He is a Stoic coach, writer, and podcast host of The Via Stoica Podcast. With almost a decade of teaching experience and daily Stoic practice, Benny creates resources, workshops, and reflections that make ancient wisdom practical today.
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