Quotes
2,628 quote
It needs to realize that what happens to everyone—bad and good alike—is neither good nor bad. (Hays translation)
Marcus Aurelius
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Book IV
Humanities Books
Search men's governing principles, and consider the wise, what they shun and what they cleave to.
Marcus Aurelius
•
Book IV
Humanities Books
Observe always that everything is the result of a change, and get used to thinking that there is nothing Nature loves so well as to change existing forms and to make new ones like them.
Marcus Aurelius
•
Book IV
Humanities Books
All is ephemeral — fame and the famous as well.
Marcus Aurelius
•
Book IV
Humanities Books
You're better off not giving the small things more time than they deserve.
Marcus Aurelius
•
Book IV
Humanities Books
Remember this— that there is a proper dignity and proportion to be observed in the performance of every act of life.
Marcus Aurelius
•
Book IV
Humanities Books
Love the little trade which thou hast learned, and be content therewith.
Marcus Aurelius
•
Book IV
Humanities Books
"Let your occupations be few," says the sage, "if you would lead a tranquil life."
Marcus Aurelius
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Book IV
Humanities Books
Variant: That which is really beautiful has no need of anything.
Marcus Aurelius
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Book IV
Humanities Books
Whatever is in any way beautiful hath its source of beauty in itself, and is complete in itself; praise forms no part of it. So it is none the worse nor the better for being praised.
Marcus Aurelius
•
Book IV
Humanities Books
Doth perfect beauty stand in need of praise at all? Nay; no more than law, no more than truth, no more than loving kindness, nor than modesty.
Marcus Aurelius
•
Book IV
Humanities Books
How much time he gains who does not look to see what his neighbor says or does or thinks, but only at what he does himself, to make it just and holy.
Marcus Aurelius
•
Book IV
Humanities Books
Not to live as if you had endless years ahead of you. Death overshadows you. While you're alive and able—be good.
Marcus Aurelius
•
Book IV
Humanities Books
Many the lumps of frankincense on the same altar; one falls there early and another late, but it makes no difference.
Marcus Aurelius
•
Book IV
Humanities Books
Variant: Death hangs over thee. While thou livest, while it is in thy power, be good.
Marcus Aurelius
•
Book IV
Humanities Books
Death hangs over thee: whilst yet thou livest, whilst thou mayest, be good.
Marcus Aurelius
•
Book IV
Humanities Books
You have a mind? —Yes. Well, why not use it?
Marcus Aurelius
•
Book IV
Humanities Books
Whatever happens at all happens as it should; you will find this true, if you watch narrowly.
Marcus Aurelius
•
Book IV
Humanities Books
That which makes the man no worse than he was makes his life no worse: it has no power to harm, without or within.
Marcus Aurelius
•
Book IV
Humanities Books
Choose not to be harmed—and you won't feel harmed. Don't feel harmed—and you haven't been.
Marcus Aurelius
•
Book IV
Humanities Books