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
Take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote advises against harboring thoughts that contradict moral integrity and rationality.
Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of aligning one's thoughts with virtue and reason. He suggests that one should be mindful of their inner dialogue, ensuring that their beliefs and ideas do not stray from what is noble and sensible. This call for self-awareness serves as a reminder to maintain integrity in oneβs thoughts to live a virtuous life.
Themes
VirtueReasonThoughtsSelf-AwarenessIntegrity
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about ethics, one could refer to this quote to emphasize the importance of maintaining virtuous thoughts.
More from Marcus Aurelius
All quotes βYou have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
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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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