The meditations of Marcus Aurelius...quotes

I have been listening to this remarkable audio book on the meditations of Marcus Aurelius. The essence is what is called "stoicism," and I find that to be the closest philosophy to which I identify.
Read just a few of these quotes and see if you don't agree:
Marcus Aurelius Quotes (Author of Meditations)

Very good stuff. Closely aligned with some of my beliefs. I love the first one...running with the stars. Mmmmm.

I started researching stoicism quite some time ago, after a conversation with my brother about handling difficulties in life. I also looked into other schools of thought, such as epicureanism, although I probably took more from stoic philosophy.

It fit very well with what I was already trying to do - control my mind and my reactions to life. I found it quite interesting and practical that ancient people used to teach methods for doing this. Given the rising rates of mental illness in this country, I wonder if it could be helpful to revise and bring back similar teachings for modern people. Of course, I can already see criticisms ranging from 'government brainwashing' to 'stigmatizing people with mental illness by suggesting they can exert control over their minds.' As helpful as these concepts are for individuals, they could be quite controversial in large scale practice.

“You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

I like this one a lot! Thanks for the link seeker1950!

I dont mean to take the conversation off subject, and Im not singling you out Vibe, so please dont take this wrong, but this comment really grabbed me. Could I please get some response to this? People here really dont think they can control thier minds? I guess I really am in the wrong place

I think I do have some control over outside events. Teaching people they have no control over outside events is the work of tyrants and dictators.

Guess no answer means I am in the wrong place. I'm no victim. You can be what you want.

Allimsaying...I appreciate your thoughts and feedback. In my life I've allowed myself to be so victimized by many others. This is not blaming them. My mindset was flawed. I no longer blame anyone. Now, in later life, after having had a whole library of "self-help" books, of many hours of counseling, of struggling to be accepted, I now find myself in a state that is somewhat akin to "stoicism," and peace. This does not mean I am devoid of relationships, or that I do not care for the opinions of others, but I am more "centered," in realizing I can't please everyone. I'm at peace with my solitude. I love the thoughts of the "Stoics."

I was reading a book on stoic philosophy and they basically said that the sky is blue 8 out of 10 days but we often only notice when it is bad out. So you look up at the sky and say wow it's blue, just think it doesnt have to be blue today,but it is. Of course I interpreted this to mean the sky could be purple or green and we're lucky it's blue but hey that works too.

I don't know what you were reading, Sometimes. Sounds too simplistic and dismissive to me. Try reading Marcus Aurelius or Epictetus...or Seneca.

Twenty-First Century Stoic -- From Zen to Zeno: How I Became a Stoic - Boing Boing

So the guy in the above link wrote a book and that was what I was reading sort of like pop psych meets philosophy. It was actually interesting and used a technique called negative visualization where you use imagined negative outcomes to increase your joy in the present moment.

Im not judging your beliefs Seeker, sorry if it sounded that way. I was hoping for a discussion about the meaning of the one quote where it said people cant control events outside thier own minds. Why have a voting system if people cant affect things outside of thier own thoughts? Maybe this was all written before we had a democracy?

I see what you are saying, Allimsaying. It certainly was written during the time of dictators, and not democracy as we know it. But I take this quote to mean something more personal, as in...the only thing we can control is our own reaction, our own thoughts, not the actions or thoughts of others, including events. It reminds me quite a bit of Steven Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: Habit One.

Thanks for clarifying that Seeker.

I see what you mean. Being Proactive (Habit One) coincides with accepting responsibility for my thoughts. I agree with that. Its taken a lot of work but Ive learned to be more conscious of my thoughts since I believe it is my thoughts that lead to my actions. I like when Im able to think positively and with optimism. Im usually able to enjoy an immediate benefit if I think in terms of possibilities instead of impossibilities. I get into trouble when those old recordings about being a misfit begin to play. Its then that I become defensive/aggressive and disengage from others which causes an entire loop of negative thinking to take hold of my thinking/actions. Thankfully my current recovery time is much shorter than it was in the past.

“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

Wasn't he the emperor in Gladiator?

I think you're correct!

When I can look at these things historically, I think its interesting to examine it from a viewpoint of human/spiritual evolution. Before we had these quotes it was unusual for people to think in 'free thinking' ways. These quotes were the news of the time and a breaking wave of people branching out towards independence that has eventually evolved to the place we are now. Someone please tell me we've made progress?

I feel progress has been made with technology, making it easier to connect with other 'free thinkers'.

Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.
Marcus Aurelius
Read more at Marcus Aurelius Quotes - BrainyQuote

Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.
Read more at Marcus Aurelius Quotes - BrainyQuote