“Begin – to begin is half the work, let half still remain; again begin this, and thou wilt have finished.”
- April 26, 121 – March 17, 180
- Roman Empire
- Roman Emperor
- Influenced by Stoic philosophy, he wrote “Meditations” and practiced ideal governance as a philosophical leader, and was later praised as one of the Five Good Emperors.
Quote
“Begin – to begin is half the work, let half still remain; again begin this, and thou wilt have finished.”
Explanation
In this quote, Marcus Aurelius speaks to the power of starting and the importance of persistence. He suggests that the act of beginning is already a significant portion of the task, and once we initiate something, we are halfway toward completion. However, it is crucial to continue with resolve and dedication, even when the path is not yet finished. This concept aligns with the Stoic emphasis on discipline and consistency—by taking small, steady steps, we make progress toward our goals, regardless of how overwhelming the task might seem initially.
For Aurelius, who governed the Roman Empire amidst constant challenges, this mindset was vital in dealing with the pressures of leadership and maintaining his Stoic ideals. He understood that the path to achieving anything worthwhile requires patience and repetition. In the modern context, this quote can be applied to many areas of life, particularly in personal growth or long-term projects. It reminds us that starting is often the hardest part, but once we push through the initial resistance, we are already on the road to completion.
In practical terms, this idea encourages breaking down tasks into manageable steps. For instance, when feeling overwhelmed by a large project, simply beginning—even if only with the smallest action—can build momentum. By returning to the task with renewed effort after each step, we create a cycle of progress that ultimately leads to success. The idea of starting again, even after setbacks, reinforces the importance of perseverance and resilience in the pursuit of our goals.
