I have often wondered how it is that every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinions of himself than on the opinions of others.
Marcus AureliusRead
Cinna wishes to seem poor, and is poor
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects a paradox where the desire to appear impoverished aligns with actual poverty, emphasizing the value of authenticity over superficial appearances.
Marcus Aurelius presents a thought-provoking idea that seeks to challenge our understanding of wealth and status. By stating that Cinna wishes to seem poor and is poor, he highlights the importance of authenticity and the internal state of being over external appearances. It suggests that genuine humility and simplicity can be richer than ostentatious displays of wealth, prompting a reflection on the nature of true prosperity.
Themes
AuthenticityPovertyHumilityWealthSimplicity
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on stoicism, one might reference this quote to discuss the value of living authentically.
More from Marcus Aurelius
All quotes βYou have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
Marcus AureliusRead
Do not act as if you were going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be good.
Marcus AureliusRead
Vex not thy spirit at the course of things; they heed not thy vexation. How ludicrous and outlandish is astonishment at anything that may happen in life.
Marcus AureliusRead
You don't have to turn this into something. It doesn't have to upset you. Things can't shape our decisions by themselves.
Marcus AureliusRead
A man's worth is no greater than his ambitions.
Marcus AureliusRead
Similar quotes
When men understand what each other mean, they see, for the most part, that controversy is either superfluous or hopeless
John Henry NewmanRead
In essentials, unity; in differences, liberty; in all things, charity.
Philipp MelanchthonRead
Even though I write about the human race, the further away from them, the better I feel. Two miles is great; two thousand miles is beautiful.
Charles BukowskiRead
Alpha children wear grey. They work much harder than we do, because they're so frightfully clever. I'm awfully glad I'm a Beta, because I don't work so hard. And then we are much better than the Gammas and Deltas. Gammas are stupid. They all wear green, and Delta children wear khaki. Oh no, I don't want to play with Delta children. And Epsilons are still worse. They're too stupid to be able to read or write. Besides they wear black, which is such a beastly color. I'm so glad I'm a Beta.
Aldous HuxleyRead
Holiness is not for wimps and the cross is not negotiable, sweetheart, it's a requirement.
Mother AngelicaRead
I would say in just about every investigation we have, there will be differences of opinion, where you have partial facts, as to what those facts mean.
Robert MuellerRead