Quote Atlassourced quotes & context
Source identified
Very little indeed is necessary for living a happy life.
Read & copy the quotation
“Very little indeed is necessary for living a happy life.”

Marcus Aurelius

Download image (JPG)

Source
Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus
Date
c. 170
English wording
George Long — Translator · from Ancient Greek
Meaning

Meaning of “Very little indeed is necessary for living a…”

The line challenges the assumption that a good life requires constant accumulation or ideal circumstances.

Source context

Where does it come from?

Meditations, Book VII, in George Long’s translation.

Primary / edition source ↗

Customize your imageTen designs · Square or portrait · Preview and share
Themes

Ideas connected with this quotation

Acceptance Quotes About Reality, Limits & ChangeAngerCalmDiscipline Quotes About Habits, Practice & ConsistencyGratitudeHappinessHumilityInner PeaceJoyLetting Go Quotes About Release & Moving ForwardLifeMeaning of Life Quotes About What Makes Life MatterMindfulnessMoving OnPatiencePeacePositive Quotes About a Constructive OutlookPresent MomentSelf-Control Quotes About Restraint & JudgmentShortSimplicityStoicStrengthLife Goes On
Related quotations

Continue through nearby ideas

Source identified
The mind is its own place.
Read & copy

“The mind is its own place.”

John Milton · Paradise Lost · 1667
Voice: Poetic speaker · Satan
Meaning & context

The statement emphasizes how mental framing can alter the experience of circumstances, for good or ill.

Source details

Paradise Lost (1667), Book I, line 254; retained legacy short extract from the fuller Satan sentence beginning ‘The mind is its own place’ and continuing into line 255. It is the same underlying passage as the longer catalog record, not a separate fifth passage.

↓ Download image (JPG)

Source identified
Remember that you must behave in life as at a dinner party.
Read & copy

“Remember that you must behave in life as at a dinner party.”

Epictetus · Enchiridion · c. 125
Meaning & context

The dinner-party image recommends waiting for what comes in proper order instead of grabbing anxiously, turning restraint into a model for daily conduct.

Source details

Enchiridion, chapter 15; the following sentences explain waiting until things come round to you.

↓ Download image (JPG)

Source identified
It is in thy power whenever thou shalt choose to retire into thyself.
Read & copy

“It is in thy power whenever thou shalt choose to retire into thyself.”

Marcus Aurelius · Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus · c. 170
Meaning & context

A person can create an inward pause even when external conditions are noisy, using reflection to restore order before returning to action.

Source details

Meditations, Book IV, in George Long’s translation; this is the central clause of the retreat passage.

↓ Download image (JPG)