Masters of Habit: Rituals, Lessons, and Quotes from Marcus Aurelius

Today, Aurelius is perhaps best known for his collection of essays called Meditations. Although we don’t know many details about Marcus' day-to-day life, Meditations offers a glimpse into his mind, his habits, and his approach to life. The very act of writing Meditations, which took him at least 10 years, is evidence to his commitment to habit, con... See more

On living a good life…Your mind will be like its habitual thoughts; for the soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts. Soak it then in such trains of thoughts as, for example: Where life is possible at all, a right life is possible.

On asking for help…Don't be ashamed to need help. Like a soldier storming a wall, you have a mission to accomplish. And if you've been wounded and you need a comrade to pull you up? So what?

When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love…

Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.

Aurelius believed that philosophy wasn’t merely something to think about, but that it should also be practiced.

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 opinion of himself than on the opinion of others.

On dealing with criticism…You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.

Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.