“And thou wilt give thyself relief, if thou doest every act of thy life as if it were the last.”
- 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
“And thou wilt give thyself relief, if thou doest every act of thy life as if it were the last.”
Explanation
In this quote, Marcus Aurelius advises us to approach each action with intention and awareness, as though it were our final act. By doing so, we avoid procrastination and distractions, focusing on what truly matters in the present. The idea is that by treating every moment with the urgency and purpose it deserves, we can free ourselves from the weight of uncertainty and regret. When we live each moment as though it were our last, we are reminded to act with clarity, virtue, and mindfulness, making the most of our time and ensuring that we live with integrity and resolve.
Aurelius, who faced immense pressures as an emperor, understood that life is unpredictable and that the only certainty is the present moment. His Stoic philosophy encourages us to focus on what is within our control—our thoughts and actions—and to approach life with a sense of urgency that comes from knowing time is limited. This perspective is particularly relevant today, where distractions and uncertainties often prevent us from making the most of our time. By living in the present, we are able to align our actions with our deepest values, finding greater peace and fulfillment.
In practical terms, this quote encourages us to be present in all that we do, whether it’s a conversation, a task at work, or a personal goal. If we approach every action with the focus and care we would give to our final moments, we ensure that we are living with purpose and authenticity. For example, rather than letting moments slip away with mindless activity or worry about the future, we can choose to act with intention, making decisions that reflect our highest aspirations and values. By living each day as if it were our last, we free ourselves from regret and create a life full of meaning and action.
