12 ancient lessons from Marcus Aurelius that will make you a better person

Ever wished you could have a philosopher for a life coach? Enter Marcus Aurelius: the OG Stoic guru whose timeless wisdom isn’t just food for thought—it’s a five-star feast for the soul.

In this article, we’ll journey through 12 ancient lessons that’ll not only make you ponder life’s big questions but might just transform you into the best version of yourself.

Ready to level up? Time to channel your inner philosopher and unleash the power of Aurelian enlightenment!

1) Control your thoughts

Marcus Aurelius’s wisdom, “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts,” may seem straightforward, yet its application is anything but simple.

Our minds resemble untamed stallions, galloping in myriad directions. But here’s the crux: we possess the ability to rein them in.

Consider this precious lesson from Marcus Aurelius: Take the reins of your thoughts.

By mastering our minds, we attain mastery over our lives. This isn’t about suppressing negative thoughts; rather, it’s about cultivating the skill to not dwell on them.

It’s about steering our mental chariots toward positivity and constructive thinking, thereby sculpting a path to lasting happiness and fulfillment.

2) Accept what you can’t change

Marcus Aurelius was a big believer in accepting the things we can’t change. He said, “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

Easier said than done? Absolutely. But it’s a lesson worth learning.

We all have things in life we can’t change, whether it’s the weather, traffic, or other people’s actions. These are outside our control.

But what we can control is how we react to them. Instead of wasting energy getting upset over things we can’t change, Marcus Aurelius teaches us to accept them and move on.

So the next time you’re stuck in traffic or someone gets on your nerves, take a deep breath and let it go. It won’t change the situation, but it will definitely make you feel better.

3) Live in the moment

One of the things Marcus Aurelius said was, “Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.”

It’s all about focusing on the now. I can tell you from personal experience how much this has helped me.

I used to be a chronic worrier, always stressing about what’s going to happen next. It was like I was living my life in fast-forward, never really enjoying the present moment because I was too worried about the future.

Then, I came across this quote from Marcus Aurelius. It made me realize that all we really have is right now. The present moment is where life happens.

Now, whenever I find myself worrying about the future, I remind myself of this lesson from Marcus Aurelius.

I take a moment to breathe and bring my focus back to the here and now. It’s not always easy, but it definitely helps me enjoy life more.

4) Value character over reputation

Marcus Aurelius was known to say, “Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.”

He believed that actions speak louder than words and that our character is our true self, while reputation is merely what others perceive us to be.

Here’s an interesting fact: Did you know that Marcus Aurelius was considered one of the “Five Good Emperors” of the Roman Empire?

This wasn’t just because he was a great leader. It was because he was a man of high moral character. He was respected not just for his position, but for his actions and behavior.

Let’s take a leaf out of his book. Instead of worrying about what people think of us, let’s focus on being good people and doing the right thing. After all, our character is what really defines us.

5) Be kind to others

Marcus Aurelius once said, “What injures the hive, injures the bee.” In simple terms, he meant that when we hurt others, we also hurt ourselves.

This lesson is close to my heart. In an age where everyone seems to be looking out for number one, Aurelius reminds us of the importance of kindness and compassion

Every single person we meet is fighting their own battle. A kind word, a small act of kindness, can make a world of difference.

And you know what? It makes us feel better too. It connects us to others, creates a sense of community and belonging.

6) Embrace change

Marcus Aurelius was a big fan of change. He said, “The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.” 

What does that mean? 

Here, Aurelius invites us to confront the dynamic nature of the world around us. From the ebb and flow of seasons to the perpetual flux of societal norms, change permeates every aspect of our existence.

Yet, amidst this ever-shifting landscape, Aurelius reminds us that our perception and interpretation of these changes hold the key to our inner state.

In other words, rather than being mere bystanders to the whims of fate, we could actively shape our lives through the lens of our thoughts. When we sync our thoughts with the rhythm of change, we tap into the power to glide through life’s twists with grace and wisdom.

7) Stop worrying about others’ opinions

Marcus Aurelius didn’t mince words. He said, “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.”

Here, Marcus Aurelius’s quote delves into the paradox of human nature: while we inherently prioritize self-interest, we often place greater importance on the opinions of others than on our own assessment.

This observation by Aurelius speaks to the tendency of individuals to seek validation and approval from external sources, often at the expense of their own self-worth and convictions.  

For example, consider a talented artist who has a passion for painting but hesitates to pursue their artistic dreams because they fear criticism or disapproval from others.

Despite their own passion and belief in their abilities, they prioritize the opinions of others over their own aspirations, ultimately diminishing their sense of fulfillment and self-worth.

Listen up! Seeking feedback from time to time is healthy because it helps you learn, but keeping your self-esteem and confidence hooked on external validation is destructive.

You must learn to value your own opinions and judgments as highly as you value the opinions of others. 

8) Understand the impermanence of life

Marcus Aurelius was a philosopher who deeply understood the impermanence of life, saying, “All things are only transitory.”

Now, here’s an interesting fact: Despite being one of the most powerful men in the world during his reign as Emperor, Aurelius lived a very modest lifestyle. He avoided extravagance and luxury, understanding that these things were fleeting and could not bring lasting happiness.

This understanding of life’s transient nature allowed him to remain humble and focused on what truly mattered to him—his philosophy, his duty as a ruler, and his character.

His lesson to us is to not get too attached to the material things in life. They are not permanent. Instead, focus on cultivating our character and relationships—these are what truly enrich our lives.

9) Find contentment within yourself

Marcus Aurelius possessed a talent for articulating thought-provoking insights, as evidenced by his profound observation: “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly.”

Marcus Aurelius’s quote encapsulates the profound idea that our mindset and thought patterns significantly influence our overall well-being and happiness.

He suggests that the quality of our thoughts directly correlates with the quality of our lives, emphasizing the importance of vigilantly guarding our minds against negative influences and cultivating positivity and mindfulness.

Take, for instance, two folks dealing with life’s hurdles. Meet Amy, who tends to dwell on the negatives, letting fear and doubt take the wheel. It’s like her thoughts are stuck in a gloomy loop, leaving her stressed and unsatisfied.

Then there’s Ben, Amy’s counterpart, who tackles challenges with a brighter outlook. Despite facing the same obstacles, Ben’s all about finding solutions, staying hopeful, and counting his blessings.

And you know what? That positive mindset pays off big time—Ben’s rocking more inner peace and happiness, even with Amy’s same set of struggles.

This little scenario shows just how much our thoughts shape our reality.

By choosing to see the bright side and staying mindful, we’re basically setting ourselves up for a life that’s all about those good vibes and fulfillment.

10) Don’t fear death

Marcus Aurelius had a refreshingly straightforward perspective on the topic of death. In one of his notable statements, he said, “Death, like birth, is a secret of Nature.”

Let’s face it: for many of us, death is a source of deep-seated fear. It’s the ultimate unknown that looms over our existence.

However, Marcus Aurelius viewed death through a lens of acceptance and understanding. He saw it as an intrinsic aspect of the natural order, akin to the cycle of birth and an inevitable part of the human experience.

Embracing Aurelius’s viewpoint can profoundly impact how we approach life.

When we acknowledge death as an integral part of our journey, we’re empowered to live more authentically and fearlessly. After all, as Aurelius reminds us, we’re all on borrowed time, and it’s up to us to make the most of every precious moment.

11) Act with purpose

Marcus Aurelius was a believer in purpose-driven action. He famously advised, “Never act without purpose.”

In essence, Aurelius emphasizes that every action we take should be imbued with a clear and meaningful purpose. It’s about aligning our efforts with our deepest values, goals, and aspirations.

The point of doing so is to ensure that our actions are not merely reactionary or aimless but rather intentional and directed towards a specific aim.

This wisdom encourages us to pause and reflect before acting impulsively or out of habit. It prompts us to ask ourselves: What is the purpose behind this action? Is it in line with my values and long-term objectives?

When we infuse our actions with purpose, we can cultivate a sense of clarity, focus, and fulfillment. This transformation can lead to a more purposeful and fulfilling existence.

12) Be humble

Lastly, Marcus Aurelius shed light on the virtue of humility. His words echo with timeless relevance: “We all love ourselves more than others but care more about their opinion than our own.”

It’s a common pitfall to become ensnared in our own self-importance, to believe ourselves superior or more entitled than those around us.

Yet, in reality, we’re all equal in our humanity. Each of us possesses a unique blend of strengths and weaknesses, navigating the complexities of life as best we can.

Therefore, let us guard against the inflation of our egos and embrace the virtue of humility.

In practicing humility, we not only foster deeper connections with those around us but also foster personal growth and moral integrity. So, let humility be our guiding principle, illuminating the path toward becoming the best versions of ourselves.

From ancient scrolls to modern goals: Let wisdom guide your journey!

Nothing is new under the sun. And we’re never too modern to avail ourselves of ancient wisdom.

Digging into Marcus Aurelius’ twelve timeless lessons isn’t a trip to the past, but a plunge into eternal wisdom that packs a punch in our present and future. Forget dusty relics—these insights are jet fuel for personal growth and self-discovery!

From cultivating mindfulness amidst chaos to embracing the power of our thoughts, each lesson offers a roadmap for living with purpose and authenticity.

So, let’s seize this opportunity to tap into the wisdom of the ages, embarking on a journey of self-reflection, growth, and transformation.