Marcus Aurelius Quotes

Success and failure are emotional and physiological experiences. We need to deal with them in a way that is present and calm.

If we are not affected by our environment, then we have somewhere become insensitive. It might be good in a way because you might not be affected by anything and be calm always.

The problem is not what other people think, do or say; it is your reaction.

We all build internal sea walls to keep at bay the sadnesses of life and the often overwhelming forces within our minds. In whatever way we do this—through love, work, family, faith, friends, denial, alcohol, drugs, or medication—we build these walls, stone by stone, over a lifetime. One of the most difficult problems is to construct these barriers of such a height and strength that one has a true harbor, a sanctuary away from crippling turmoil and pain, but yet low enough, and permeable enough, to let in fresh seawater that will fend off the inevitable inclination toward brackishness.

I think I was as mentally tough as I've ever been. I felt like I handled the situation both on and off the court extremely well. I felt like I needed to.

If you are pained by external things, it is not they that disturb you, but your own judgement of them. And it is in your power to wipe out that judgement now.

I will always have fears, but I need not be my fears, for I have other places within myself from which to speak and act.

Obviously, circumstances alone do not make us happy or unhappy. It is the way we react to circumstances that determines our feelings. Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven is within you. That is where the kingdom of hell is, too.

It is not insult from another that causes you pain. It is the part of your mind that agrees with the insult. Agree only with the truth about you, and you are free.

The more something upsets you, the more it is meant for you. When it no longer upsets you, it is no longer needed because the lesson is complete.

I have wondered why is it that some people are less affected and torn by the verities of life and death that others.

...I felt fear enter the halls of my mind, but I didn't give it the keys to every room.

If you are distressed by something, it is due to your own estimate of it; and you have the power to change it at will.

Great events make me quiet and calm; it is only trifles that irritate my nerves.

After all it is those who have a deep and real inner life who are best able to deal with the irritating details of outer life.

I react emotionally to everything!

The soul is both the most fragile and most resilient thing about you; a healthy soul is what holds you together when your world falls apart. Since you will carry your soul into eternity, it's worth checking up on it at least as often as your teeth.

We cannot control what emotions or circumstances we will experience next, but we can choose how we will respond to them.

Fear is natural. Be with it.

I know there's millions of problems in the world, but if you dwell on those, then you're going to be miserable. I think my meditation helps me to transcend and get beyond the grip of all the negativity and regenerate from within a more positive attitude, which comes in very handy when you're going to do 150 concerts a year.

As long as I retain my feeling and my passion for Nature, I can partly soften or subdue my other passions and resist or endure those of others.

One must not let oneself be overwhelmed by sadness.

When you are angry or frustrated, what comes out? Whatever it is, it's a good indication of what you're made of.

I try to keep away exterior events that are going to make me do something negative internally to myself.