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
Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.
Interpretation
True happiness comes from within and is shaped by our thoughts and mindset.
This quote by Marcus Aurelius emphasizes that happiness is not dependent on external circumstances but rather on our internal state of mind. It suggests that by adjusting our way of thinking, we can cultivate a joyful and fulfilling life, demonstrating the power of perspective and self-awareness in achieving contentment.
In practice
During a motivational talk about self-improvement, you might say, 'As Marcus Aurelius once said, very little is needed to make a happy life; remember, it's all within yourself.'
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.
You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
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.
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.
You don't have to turn this into something. It doesn't have to upset you. Things can't shape our decisions by themselves.
A man's worth is no greater than his ambitions.
Happiness means nothing to me. I just want to have meaning and purpose.
We torment ourselves rather to make it appear that we are happy than to become so.
No one is happy unless he respects himself.
I feel nothing but the accursed happiness I have dreaded all my life long: the happiness that comes as life goes, the happiness of yielding and dreaming instead of resisting and doing, the sweetness of the fruit that is going rotten.
What brings fulfillment is gratefulness, the simple response of our heart to this life in all its fullness.
When we fulfill our function, which is to truly love ourselves and share love with others, then true happiness sets in.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.