Opinions Disturb Quote by Marcus Aurelius
““that it is not men's acts which disturb us, for those acts have their foundation in men's ruling principles, but it is our own opinions which disturb us. Take away these opinions then, and resolve to dismiss thy judgement about an act as if it were something grievous, and thy anger is gone. How then shall I take away these opinions? By reflecting that no wrongful act of another brings shame on thee:””
About This Quote
Distress arises from our judgments, not from external actions; by suspending evaluative opinions, we can neutralize emotional turmoil.
In simple terms: Our opinions, not events, cause upset.
Key Takeaway
Reframe judgments to reduce suffering.
Themes
Stoicism
perception
emotion
judgment
Mood
reflective
calm
Type
ethical
psychological
When to use this quote
- reacting to criticism
- political debates
- personal setbacks
Key Concepts
cognitive reframing
mindfulness
Practical Applications
- practice pausing before labeling events
- adopt a neutral observation stance
Questions to Reflect On
- What judgments amplify my distress?
- Can I separate moral evaluation from emotional reaction?
A Different Perspective
Some events inherently cause harm; merely adjusting opinions may not address real injustice.
