Quotes from Marcus Aurelius

Vanity is the greatest seducer of reason: when you are most convinced your work is important, that is when you are most under its spell.

The universe, then, is God, of whom the popular gods are manifestations; while legends and myths are allegorical. The soul of man is thus an emanation from the godhead, into whom it will eventually be re-absorbed. The divine ruling principle makes all things work together for good, but for the good of the whole. The highest good of man is consciously to work with God for the common good, and this is the sense in which the Stoic tried to live in accord with nature.

Two kinds of readiness are constantly needed: (i) to do only what the logos of authority and law directs, with the good of human beings in mind; (ii) to reconsider your position, when someone can set you straight or convert you to his. But your conversion should always rest on a conviction that it's right, or benefits others—nothing else. Not because it's more appealing or more popular.

Marcus sought by-laws to protect the weak, to make the lot of the slaves less hard, to stand in place of father to the fatherless.

Now say I, if so be that this be both hurtful unto them, and yet unavoidable, would not, thinkest thou, the whole itself be in a sweet case, all the parts of it being subject to alteration, yea and by their making itself fitted for corruption, as consisting of things different and contrary

Not to contemn any friend's expostulation, though unjust, but to strive to reduce him to his former disposition

To holiness, in accepting willingly whatsoever is sent by the Divine Providence

We cannot step twice into the same river

To righteousness, in speaking the truth freely, and without ambiguity; and in doing all things justly and discreetly.

Reason is free from hatred, has no desire to harm anyone or anything, and will never direct you to do evil. Reason works to the benefit of all things.

To accept it without arrogance, to let it go with indifference.

56. Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now take what's left and live it properly