"I have often wondered how it is that every man loveshimself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinion of himself than on the opinion of others."

Experience

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Insight & Reflection

This reflection on experience by Marcus Aurelius resonates across generations. It highlights a fundamental truth about human nature: our continuous search for meaning in experience is what ultimately defines our character and our path forward.

About Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus was Roman emperor from 161 to 180 and a Stoic philosopher. He was a member of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty, the last of the rulers later known as the Five Good Emperors and the last emperor of the Pax Romana, an age of relative peace, calm, and stability for the Roman Empire lasting from 27 BC to 180 AD. He served as Roman consul in 140, 145, and 161.

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Editorial Note: This quote is curated and fact-checked by the Quotes Archive Editorial Team. Verified Literature Specialist.

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"Every summit scaled was once thought insurmountable from the valley below. In this truth lies the bedrock of all virtue."

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"People are generally amazed that I would take an interest in any form that would require me to stop talking for three hours."

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