If thou shalt find anything in this mortal life better than righteousness, than truth, temperance, fortitude, and in general better than a mind contented both with those things which according to right and reason she doth, and in those, which without her will and knowledge happen unto thee by the providence; if I say, thou canst find out anything better than this, apply thyself unto it with thy whole heart, and that which is best wheresoever thou dost find it, enjoy freely.
Where these words come from
- Lots of sources credit Marcus Aurelius with this, and they agree with each other. The book or the speech it first came from hasn't turned up yet.
- https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2680/2680-h/2680-h.htm
More from Marcus Aurelius
See allYou have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
Marcus AureliusWaste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.Marcus AureliusNever let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.Marcus AureliusWe are made for co-operation, like feet, like hands, like eyelids, like the rows of the upper and lower teeth.Marcus AureliusThe best way of avenging thyself is not to become like the wrong doer.Marcus AureliusGive thyself time to learn something new and good, and cease to be whirled around.Marcus Aurelius
Marcus AureliusWaste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.Marcus AureliusNever let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.Marcus AureliusWe are made for co-operation, like feet, like hands, like eyelids, like the rows of the upper and lower teeth.Marcus AureliusThe best way of avenging thyself is not to become like the wrong doer.Marcus AureliusGive thyself time to learn something new and good, and cease to be whirled around.Marcus AureliusMore on wisdom
In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.
Sun TzuThe wound is the place where the light enters you.
RumiAn unexamined life is not worth living.
SocratesWonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder.
PlatoHowever far a stream flows, it never forgets its source.Yoruba proverbTruth is powerful and it prevails.
Sojourner Truth
Sun TzuThe wound is the place where the light enters you.RumiAn unexamined life is not worth living.SocratesWonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder.PlatoHowever far a stream flows, it never forgets its source.Yoruba proverbTruth is powerful and it prevails.Sojourner Truth