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Change Quote by Marcus Aurelius

“But among the things readiest to hand to which you shall turn, let there be these two: One is that things do not touch the soul, for they are external to its movement, but your anguish only comes from judgments within. The other is that all these things which you see now are changing and will…” quote by Marcus Aurelius
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““But among the things readiest to hand to which you shall turn, let there be these two: One is that things do not touch the soul, for they are external to its movement, but your anguish only comes from judgments within. The other is that all these things which you see now are changing and will cease to be, and constantly bear in mind how many of these changes you have already witnessed. The universe is transformation. Life is judgement.””

Marcus Aurelius

About This Quote

Source Book: Meditations, Marcus Aurelius, c. 180 AD

External events cannot harm the soul; suffering arises from our judgments. Recognize impermanence and observe the constant flow of change.

In simple terms: Suffering comes from inner judgments, not external events.

Key Takeaway

Observe thoughts, accept change, reduce self‑judgment.

Themes

stoicism impermanence self‑awareness

Mood

calm reflective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • stress management
  • mindfulness practice

Key Concepts

judgment impermanence inner peace

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you judge events that are beyond your control?
  • What patterns of change have you noticed in your life?
A Different Perspective

Change is inevitable, but our reactions shape experience.

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