"Adapt yourself to the life you've been given, but love the people with whom you share it."
- Marcus Aurelius
Meditations
This quote encapsulates two fundamental Stoic principles: accepting what we cannot control while actively loving what we can influence. We don't choose all our circumstances - our family of origin, historical period, natural abilities, or many life events. But we can choose our response to these circumstances and, crucially, how we treat the people who share our journey. The first part calls for resilience and adaptability; the second calls for active compassion and connection. Together, they create a formula for a meaningful life: acceptance plus love.
Continue Your Stoic Journey
Meditations
Read the complete text
Stoic Philosophy
Understand the philosophical foundation
Morning Reflection Practice
Start your day like Marcus Aurelius
Famous Stoics
Other great Stoic philosophers
The Four Virtues
Core principles Marcus lived by
Stoic Principles
Essential teachings for daily life