“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.”
- 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.
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Quote
“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.”
Explanation
In this quote, Marcus Aurelius encourages us to begin each day with gratitude and awareness of the simple yet profound privileges of life. He reminds us that the very act of being alive is a gift—something we often take for granted. Breathing, thinking, experiencing joy, and the capacity to love are fundamental aspects of existence that can easily go unnoticed amidst the busyness of life. Aurelius invites us to appreciate these moments as precious, recognizing that they are not guaranteed and are worthy of our mindfulness and thankfulness.
Aurelius, a Stoic philosopher, often emphasized the importance of living in the present and appreciating life as it is, not as we wish it to be. His philosophy teaches us to find peace and contentment by focusing on what we have, rather than what we lack. This perspective is particularly relevant today, where we often find ourselves rushing through life, distracted by future goals, distractions, or regrets about the past. Aurelius’ advice encourages us to pause and reflect on the gift of the present moment, fostering a sense of gratitude and peace in our daily lives.
In practical terms, this quote suggests starting each day by taking a moment to appreciate the basics of life—our health, our mind, and the relationships we have. For instance, when you wake up in the morning, rather than diving straight into the busyness of the day, take a few moments to breathe deeply, acknowledge the gift of another day, and feel thankful for the ability to think, enjoy, and love. By doing this regularly, we cultivate a mindset of gratitude, which leads to a greater sense of fulfillment and happiness, regardless of external circumstances.
