“To understand the true quality of people, you must look into their minds, and examine their pursuits and aversions.”
- 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
“To understand the true quality of people, you must look into their minds, and examine their pursuits and aversions.”
Explanation
In this quote, Marcus Aurelius advises that to truly understand someone’s character, we must look beyond their external behaviors and superficial appearances. The essence of a person lies in their thoughts, desires, and reactions—what they pursue in life and what they avoid. According to Stoic philosophy, a person’s virtue is revealed not by their outward actions alone, but by their inner life—the motivations and intentions that guide their decisions. Aurelius suggests that by understanding someone’s pursuits (what they strive for) and aversions (what they fear or reject), we can gain a more accurate insight into their true nature.
Aurelius, who spent much of his life navigating complex political and personal dynamics, would have relied on this perspective to evaluate those around him, recognizing that the inner world of a person—shaped by reason and virtue—determines their true worth, not their outward appearances or achievements. In the modern world, this approach is crucial when assessing others, particularly in professional or personal relationships. It encourages us to look beyond what people say or do at face value and to instead focus on their values, motivations, and ethical principles.
In practical terms, this quote urges us to evaluate others more thoughtfully, considering their inner values rather than just their external behaviors. For example, when working with a colleague or forming a friendship, instead of judging them by their outward actions, we might look at their goals and how they pursue them, as well as their reactions to challenges or difficult situations. This deeper understanding can lead to more authentic connections and better judgments, allowing us to interact with others in ways that are more aligned with their true character.
