“No more roundabout discussions of what makes a good man. Be one!”
Analysis
In this quote by Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor emphasizes the importance of action over words when it comes to being a good man. He urges individuals to stop engaging in endless debates about the qualities of a good person and instead focus on embodying those qualities themselves. Aurelius' message is a reminder that true character is demonstrated through one's actions and behaviors, rather than empty discussions. This quote serves as a call to action for individuals to live virtuously and ethically, rather than simply talking about it.
Embodying Virtue in a Modern World
Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor and philosopher, emphasized the importance of action over words in defining a good man. In today's society, where discussions often take precedence over practical application, this quote serves as a reminder to focus on embodying virtuous qualities rather than just talking about them. Taking meaningful action and being a good person are key in making a positive impact in the world.
Marcus Aurelius Quote
"No more roundabout discussions of what makes a good man. Be one!" - Marcus Aurelius
This quote serves as a reminder to stop overthinking and debating what qualities make a good person, and instead focus on embodying those qualities in our actions and behavior.
Reflection Questions:
Reflecting on this quote by Marcus Aurelius, it prompts us to look inward and examine what qualities make a good person. Consider the following questions:
- What actions do you believe make someone a good person?
- Are there certain values or principles that you strive to embody in your daily life?
- How do you demonstrate your character through your actions and decisions?
- In what ways can you improve and become a better person in the eyes of others?
Similar quotes
“Don't go on discussing what a good person should be. Just be one.”
“what you loses on the swings you gain on the roundabouts”
“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.”
“We are fond of talking about 'liberty'; but the way we end up actually talking of it is an attempt to avoid discussing what is 'good.' We are fond of talking about 'progress'; that is a dodge to avoid discussing what is good. We are fond of talking about 'education'; that is a dodge to avoid discussing what is good. The modern man says, 'Let us leave all these arbitrary standards and embrace unadulterated liberty.' This is, logically rendered, 'Let us not decide what is good, but let it be considered good not to decide it.' He says, 'Away with your old moral standard; I am for progress.' This, logically stated, means, 'Let us not settle what is good; but let us settle whether we are getting more of it.' He says, 'Neither in religion nor morality, my friend, lie the hopes of the race, but in education.' This, clearly expressed, means, 'We cannot decide what is good, but let us give it to our children.”
“The school discussed friendship often. It is, they learned, one of the things man can least afford to lack; necessary to the good life, and beautiful in itself. Between friends is no need of justice, for neither wrong nor inequality can exist... Friendship is perfect when virtuous men love the good in one another; for virtue gives more delight than beauty, and is untouched by time.”