“Where a man can live, he can also live well.”
- 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
“Where a man can live, he can also live well.”
Explanation
In this quote, Marcus Aurelius underscores the Stoic belief that living well is not dependent on external circumstances, but on the mindset and virtue we bring to any situation. No matter where we find ourselves, whether in comfort or adversity, it is possible to live honorably, righteously, and meaningfully if we align our actions with reason and moral principles. For Aurelius, the ability to live well comes from within—by making the best of what we have, accepting what we cannot change, and focusing on how we can respond virtuously to any circumstance.
Aurelius, who faced immense challenges as a ruler and a philosopher, was deeply aware of the impermanence of external situations. He recognized that external factors, such as wealth, status, or location, do not determine our capacity to live well. Instead, it is our thoughts, actions, and approach to life that shape our well-being. Today, this quote serves as a reminder that happiness and fulfillment are within our control, regardless of our environment or the challenges we face.
In practical terms, this quote encourages us to focus on what we can control—our attitudes, values, and actions—rather than waiting for external conditions to be ideal. For example, if we find ourselves in a challenging job or living situation, instead of lamenting what we don’t have, we can choose to live well by maintaining a positive attitude, cultivating inner peace, and acting with integrity. By doing so, we align our lives with the Stoic principle that living well is an internal pursuit, achievable anywhere, as long as we commit to virtue and self-mastery.
