You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
Marcus AureliusRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the paradox of self-love and the tendency to value others' opinions more than our own.
Marcus Aurelius highlights the contradictory nature of human self-perception, where individuals may love themselves deeply yet often disregard their own judgments in favor of others' views. This speaks to the universal human experience of seeking validation from external sources despite a fundamental self-regard.
Themes
Self-LoveOpinionsValidationSelf-PerceptionConfidence
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about self-acceptance, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of trusting one's own judgments.
More from Marcus Aurelius
All quotes →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.
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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.
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You don't have to turn this into something. It doesn't have to upset you. Things can't shape our decisions by themselves.
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A man's worth is no greater than his ambitions.
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A person's life is dyed with the color of his imagination.
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