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
Everything is only for a day, both that which remembers and that which is remembered. Observe constantly that all things take place by change, and accustom thyself to consider that the nature of the Universe loves nothing so much as to change the things which are and to make new things like them. For everything that exists is in a manner the seed of that which will be.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Everything is temporary, and change is the natural state of the universe.
This quote by Marcus Aurelius highlights the fleeting nature of existence and the inevitability of change. It urges us to recognize that both our memories and the things we remember are transient, and it encourages us to embrace the changes that occur in life, understanding that each moment sets the stage for what is to come.
Themes
ChangeTransienceImpermanenceUniversePhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about resilience, one could say, 'As Marcus Aurelius reminds us, everything is only for a day, so embrace change and grow.'
More from Marcus Aurelius
All quotes →You 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
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