What Can We Learn From a Roman Emperor?

Marcus Aurelius was a Roman Emperor 2,000 years ago in the years 161-180 CE.  He was also a philosopher and I recently read an interesting article on some of his most famous quotes.  Here they are with my comments about them:

"THE THINGS YOU THINK ABOUT DETERMINE THE QUALITY OF YOUR MIND. YOUR SOUL TAKES ON THE COLOR OF YOUR THOUGHTS."

Another way of saying, "As a man thinketh, so is he."  Another great quote I've read before is, "You are what you think about."

"WHEN YOU ARISE IN THE MORNING THINK ABOUT WHAT A PRIVILEGE IT IS TO BE ALIVE, TO THINK, TO ENJOY, TO LOVE."

My first thought is, "What time is it?" Since I awake a few times a night, it could be many times.  It's hard to imagine you could come up with a more positive way to wake up than his advice.

"YOU HAVE POWER OVER YOUR MIND, NOT OUTSIDE EVENTS. REALIZE THIS AND YOU WILL FIND STRENGTH."

Definitely, we do have control over out thoughts and our actions and it does give you power and confidence.

"WASTE NO MORE TIME ARGUING ON WHAT A GOOD MAN SHOULD BE, BE ONE."

Discussion is good as look as two people are willing to discuss without anger.  Being the best one can be, should always be a top priority.  However, I'm open to discussion on it.

"IF YOU CAN, SHOW THEM THE BETTER WAY. IF NOT THIS IS WHY YOU HAVE THE GIFT OF KINDNESS."

I think I can understand why this guy ruled for so many years.

"WHENEVER YOU ARE ABOUT TO FIND FAULT WITH SOMEONE, ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESION: WHAT FAULT OF MINE MOST NEARLY RESEMBLES THE ONE I AM AOBUT TO CRITICIZE?"

It would be fascinating to sit down and have a conversation with this guy.  I wonder what influenced him?

"THE BEST REVENGE IS TO BE UNLIKE HIM WHO PERFORMED THE INJURY." 

A pretty cool way of getting back at someone.  I look at it as someone showing you how not to be.  He said it a lot better.

"IT CAN RUIN YOUR LIFE ONLY IF IT RUINS YOUR CHARACTER. OTHERWISE IT CANNOT HARM YOU-INSIDE OR OUT.

He obviously was a very strong and independent person of good character.  You can't help but being impressed with his words, which is probably the reason he is still written about.