5 Quotes from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations Explained

Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations is no ordinary philosophy treatise. Written by the 2nd-century CE Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the “Meditations” were not an organized text edited for publication, but a collection of the emperor’s philosophical thoughts and reflections as he sought clarity, resilience, and patience while ruling Rome’s mighty empire. They were only discovered and published centuries after his death. A follower of Stoic philosophy, his words have been embraced as practical lessons on how to achieve goals, overcome obstacles, and live a good life. Let’s look at five of the emperor’s most important quotes from the Meditations and the wisdom they contain.

1. “The Obstacle is the Way”

“Our actions may be impeded… but there can be no impeding our intentions or dispositions. Because we can accommodate and adapt. The mind adapts and converts to its purposes the obstacle to our acting. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” (Meditations 5.20)

Marcus Aurelius frames obstacles and opportunities, suggesting that you should not get discouraged when you encounter a bump in the road. He suggests that obstacles can sometimes give us clarity on a better way to move forward, as they force us to keep digging. Obstacles can lead people to find inner strength and realize that they are capable of things they previously thought impossible. They also develop character in the face of setbacks, helping people become better human beings.

The author suggests that it is best to work with obstacles rather than resist and maintain a positive attitude when faced with difficulties. Instead of seeing obstacles as scary, they should be embraced as an opportunity to learn and grow. This is how you find the right path. If everything was easy, what’s the point of pursuing it anyway? It is the inner joy found while overcoming obstacles that contributes to a truly purposeful life.

2. “The Stars Can Help”

“To watch the course of the stars as if you revolved with them. To keep constantly in mind how the elements alter into one another. Thoughts like this wash off the mud of life below.” (Meditations 7.47)

Here, Marcus Aurelius suggests that when you are feeling overwhelmed, it is a good idea to put your problems in perspective. He encourages individuals to imagine themselves running with the stars while appreciating the universe with astonishment, to realize that their problems are not as significant as they imagine. This exercise can help to reduce negative thoughts and encourage a sense of humility.

The Stoic Emperor also shares the reminder that change is the natural condition of the universe. He explains that nothing lasts forever; everything will transform and change. Remembering how seasons change, for example, or how the storm will sooner or later be replaced by the bright sun with its warm rays, is comforting. Anyone can benefit from keeping in mind that the adversity they are facing will end; change is inevitable.

3. “Do Less, But Better”

“If you seek tranquility, do less. Or (more accurately) do what’s essential—what the logos of a social being requires, and in the requisite way. 

Which brings a double satisfaction: to do less, better. Because most of what we say and do is not essential. If you can eliminate it, you’ll have more time, and more tranquility. Ask yourself at every moment, ‘Is this necessary?’

But we need to eliminate unnecessary assumptions as well. To eliminate the unnecessary actions that follow.” (Meditations 4.24)

Here, Marcus Aurelius suggests that we can gain more tranquility in life by doing less, by not doing the things that are not essential. This minimalism not only reduces stress, but gives you the capacity to do the things that matter better, increasing the satisfaction in doing the things that matter.

This feels like a lesson for the modern world in which many people subscribe to the cult of productivity. We are often made to feel guilty if we are not doing something productive all the time. This need to be busy means that we often fill our lives with things that are unnecessary. Marcus Aurelius suggests that this leads us to waste time on things that don’t matter, and reduce our ability to engage with the things that do.

His advice is to be careful how we spend our time, eliminating things that are unnecessary and prioritizing the things that truly matter to us. In this way, we are valuing our time and energy in the most beneficial way. But he suggests that this approach should not only extend to what we do, but also how we think. Don’t waste time on judging others when you could be focused on your own challenges.

4. “Be Good”

“To feel affection for people even when they make mistakes is uniquely human. You can do it too, if you simply recognize that they’re human too, that they act out of ignorance, against their will, and that you’ll both be dead before long. And, above all, that they haven’t really hurt you. They haven’t diminished your ability to choose.” (Meditations 7.22)

This passage emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and understanding. Marcus Aurelius suggests that we try to feel sympathy for people who have wronged others and understand what is behind their actions. For example, if you encounter someone who is incredibly rude, it may be that you are meeting them on the worst day of their life, and stress is causing their behavior. Therefore, try to be empathetic before passing judgment.

Marcus Aurelius also talks about death in this passage. He is saying that both these people will die soon; so, what’s the point of getting angry or upset? Some people might see this as pessimistic, but Marcus Aurelius is highlighting that whatever you are upset about won’t matter for very long.

The Stoic emperor also suggests that while another person’s actions might feel hurtful, their actions don’t control how we choose to respond. The freedom and responsibility of our response lies with us. This is one of the most powerful teachings of the Stoics: we choose our thoughts and actions, and therefore create the world in which we live.

5. “All is For the Best” 

“He does only what is his to do and considers constantly what the world has in store for him—doing his best and trusting that all is for the best. For we carry our fate with us—and it carries us.” (Meditations 3.4)

Here, Marcus Aurelius talks about doing the tasks required of the person while staying curious and maintaining a positive attitude toward life. The individual is encouraged to care only about what will bring him to the achievement of his goals, one step at a time. He should not care about what others are doing unless people ask for his help.

While the emperor suggests focused action, he also promotes curiosity. When you stay curious and constantly strive to discover the world, you will start to notice the opportunities.

He also suggests embracing a positive attitude and expecting good things to happen. Even when faced with adversity, remember that something good will come out of it in the end. He suggests that a wise person understands that everything happens for a reason.

The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius contain much more wisdom from Stoic philosophy. The Stoics believed in the importance of daily reflection and writing down philosophical teachings and principles to keep them in mind and live by them. This seems to have been Marcus Aurelius’s aim in writing his Meditations.