“The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.”
- 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
“The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.”
Explanation
In this quote, Marcus Aurelius critiques the tendency to follow the crowd or the majority without reflection. He argues that the true goal in life is not to conform to the opinions or actions of the masses but to avoid losing one’s reason and becoming swept up in the irrationality that can characterize popular or societal trends. For Aurelius, the essence of living a meaningful life lies in the pursuit of virtue and wisdom, not in blindly adhering to what is common or popular. Stoic philosophy encourages individuals to think independently, act according to reason, and maintain personal integrity and self-awareness.
Aurelius, as both a ruler and a philosopher, was keenly aware of the dangers of following the crowd or yielding to public opinion. He would have witnessed the political and social pressures of his time, where popular sentiment could often lead to irrational decisions. His wisdom serves as a reminder that wisdom and virtue are not necessarily aligned with the majority view, and that the pursuit of truth requires stepping away from conventional or unquestioned beliefs. In the modern world, this quote remains relevant, as it encourages individuals to critically examine the beliefs and actions of society rather than automatically subscribing to them.
In practical terms, this quote encourages us to cultivate critical thinking and to question societal norms or popular trends that may not be aligned with our values or reason. For instance, if everyone around us is pursuing a particular career path or lifestyle, we should consider whether that path truly reflects our own goals and virtues, or if we are simply following the majority. By avoiding the “ranks of the insane,” we focus on living authentically, guided by rational thought and a commitment to personal integrity, rather than being swept along by the currents of mass opinion.
