Marcus Aurelius

The things you think about determine the quality of your mind. Your soul takes on the color of your thoughts.

A blazing fire makes flame and brightness out of everything that is thrown into it.

The only wealth which will ever satisfy the soul is the wealth we find within ourselves.

In your actions, don't procrastinate. In your conversations, don't confuse. In your thoughts, don't wander. In your soul, don't be passive or aggressive. In your life, don't be all about business.

The soul of man does violence to itself when it becomes an abscess of fear.

We ought to do good to others as simply as a horse runs, or a bee makes honey, or a vine bears grapes season after season without thinking of the grapes it has borne.

The wise man sees in the misfortune of others what he should avoid.

Each thing is of like form from everlasting and comes round again in its cycle.

You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.

The soul becomes dyed with the colour of its thoughts.

The only thing that isn't worthless is to live this life with integrity and compassion. To do good work. To accept change and loss, and to make the most of the time you have left.

To live a good life: We have the potential for it. If we can learn to be indifferent to what makes no difference.

Because a thing is difficult for you, do not therefore suppose it to be impossible for any one else.

If someone is able to show me that I'm making a mistake or thinking about things the wrong way, I'll gladly change. It's the truth I'm after, and the truth never harmed anyone. It's only harm to persist in error and ignorance.

Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now, take what's left and live it properly.

Reverence for the gods, and help for men.

Every moment of your life is a gift from God. Make it count.

The mind is a ruler, not a slave.

Remember that man lives only in the present, in this fleeting instant; all the rest of his life is either past and gone, or still uncertain.

What is not good for the swarm is not good for the bee.