“Our life is what our thoughts make it.”
- 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.
table of contents
Quote
“Our life is what our thoughts make it.”
Explanation
In this quote, Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the power of thought in shaping our experiences. According to Stoic philosophy, it is not the external events or circumstances that determine the quality of our lives, but rather our interpretation and reaction to those events. Our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes are the lens through which we experience the world. By controlling our thoughts and cultivating a mindset rooted in virtue, reason, and acceptance, we can create a life of peace, fulfillment, and resilience, regardless of external conditions.
Aurelius, who faced constant challenges as a ruler, recognized that much of his inner peace and strength came from his ability to control his thoughts. He believed that if we focus on acting in accordance with wisdom and virtue, and adjust our mindset to focus on what we can control—our attitudes and responses—then we can live a life aligned with our highest values, regardless of external chaos. In modern life, this perspective is especially powerful, as it reminds us that we are not passive victims of our circumstances, but active creators of our own experiences through the way we think and respond.
In practical terms, this quote encourages us to mindfully examine our thoughts and shift them toward more constructive, positive patterns. For example, when facing stress or setbacks, instead of focusing on the negatives, we can choose to focus on what we can learn from the experience, what we are grateful for, and what we can control. By cultivating a mindset of gratitude and inner strength, we actively shape our lives in a way that reflects our true values, finding peace and joy even amidst challenges. Through the power of our thoughts, we can transform our experiences and live more fulfilling lives.
