8 Simple Habits Marcus Aurelius Lived By, Quickly Explained So You Can Basically Copy Them

Success is straightforward, don’t overcomplicate it.

Marcus Aurelius believed:

“Waste no more time arguing about what a good person should be. Be one”

Aurelius always practiced what he said. He was a family man, an educator, and a philosopher— all in one. Aurelius believed that becoming a good person wasn’t that hard.

In reality, becoming a good person requires simple habits that you and I are both aware of. But the thing is, we’re afraid to practice. We think that success somehow requires a hidden formula or shortcut.

But there’s no secret or passageway to becoming successful other than following all the simple habits we (already) know. Success is straightforward, don’t overcomplicate it.

Below are 8 simple habits by Marcus Aurelius that you can basically copy and integrate to live a good life.

1. Prioritizing virtue over fame

Focus on being a good person rather than seeking popularity.

Don’t try to impress others. You’re good on your own — you don’t need people to praise you for your efforts. When you act with integrity, you won’t rely on others’ approval.

During his reign, Aurelius faced numerous military challenges, including wars against Germanic tribes. Rather than pursuing personal glory, Aurelius focused on minimizing harm and promoting peace whenever possible.

Aurelius rejected extravagant displays of wealth and luxury, choosing a simple and modest lifestyle instead.

Like, Marcus Aurelius, you should live a meaningful life based on personal values and doing what is right rather than seeking short-lived fame or approval from others.

2. Reflecting on ancestors’ virtues

Aurelius highly admired his father: Marcus Annius Verus

Even though Aurelius was only a young boy when his father passed away, Aurelius recognized and appreciated his father’s unwavering dedication to public service.

In addition to his father, Aurelius also looked up to his ancestors as a source of inspiration. They had faced similar challenges and made significant choices, and he gained wisdom from their experiences to guide his own life’s path.

Aurelius aimed to carry forward their legacy and continue their noble work.

This helped him shape his own moral compass in the light of the modern world. Looking back at your ancestor’s actions is a great reminder of the strength you possess in your genes.

3. Going with the flow - embracing adversity

• The Antonine plague took countless lives.

Even during the devastating crisis, Aurelius didn’t shy away from his responsibilities to people’s welfare. He worked tirelessly to provide medical aid and support to those in need.

Aurelius even opened his own palace as a makeshift hospital to care for the sick.

Throughout the problem, Aurelius maintained a Stoic mindset, accepting the circumstances and focusing on what was within his control — helping people. When the Antonine plague ended, Marcus Aurelius set his example and inspired people to preserve and endure.

Difficult times happen, but quitting helps with nothing. Hold onto hope. The black clouds are not here to stay forever.

4. Taking nature walks

• Marcus Aurelius was a down-to-earth man.

He found comfort in nature walks, journaling, and reading philosophy. During his military campaigns, Aurelius would take short breaks/intervals to connect with nature.

During that time, Aurelius would explore nearby landscapes and immerse himself in nature. This ultimately helped him reflect, recharge his spirit and gain perspective.

We cannot work the whole day. Therefore, we all need little breaks. Rather than gossiping or using mobile, use the breaks to connect with nature, for example, gardening or walking.

Through connecting and depending on your connection with nature, you can find peace of mind and new perspectives that will have you get your daily mental detox.

5. Writing letters to himself

Every Stoic had a different way of self-reflection:

• Marcus Aurelius: journaling
• Seneca: letters and philosophical essays
• Epictetus: oral teachings

Marcus Aurelius would write letters to himself where he would include his thoughts, observations, and insights. His book is compiled and known as the “Meditations.”

Aurelius wrote these letters during his tough times: military campaigns during early morning or late evenings. His intention in writing the journals was not to publish them but rather to clarify his thoughts. Marcus Aurelius wrote about everything ranging from this virtue wisdom, and science.

Therefore, his journaling habits helped him go through tough times.

Journaling becomes your friend when you have no one to complain to or share your thoughts with. Using journaling, you can express your struggles, doubts, and aspirations while maintaining the privacy of your thoughts each time.

6. Encouraging critical feedback

A lot of mentors have heavily influenced Marcus Aurelius.

For example, Junius Rusticus. Rusticus was frank and pointed out errors without sugar-coating.

Instead of becoming defensive and dismissive, Aurelius embraced the opportunity to resolve conflict and listen to the errors. Aurelius never let his ego in between the learning. Regardless of his rank, Aurelius remained committed to continuous learning.

This helped him make informed decisions and understand diverse perspectives.

View constructive criticism as a valuable asset, as it provides unique insights and lessons from others. Take this as an opportunity to identify blind spots and refine your thinking.

Become a better decision-maker using your feedback!

7. Nurturing friendships

A person is greatly identified through his friend circle.

Your intelligence can affect the people you hang out with. Marcus Aurelius had a good friendship with Herodes Atticus — a prominent Greek aristocrat and philosopher.

Marcus Aurelius and Atticus would exchange thoughts, meaningful connections, and support when needed. Both had an equal interest in interest and philosophical pursuits.

During challenging times, friends offer you guidance and support, knowing every shade of your life. Marcus helped Atticus when he lost his wife and children, and Aurelius provided aid to Aurelius during military problems.

Friendship is an exchange of thought. How successful you may become, never forget the benefit of having a friend.

Friends are like an umbrella by your side on a rainy day.

8. Leading by example

Aurelius led by example and set a high standard for himself and those around him.

Aurelius had a good:

• Routine
• Friend circle
• Happy citizens
• Moderation

These tiny habits helped him to become a good emperor and had a profound impact on the behaviors of people around him. Marcus never misused his power but used it as a tool to exemplify his habits under the rule.

He took his responsibilities seriously, listening to people’s feedback and taking action where necessary. Marcus Aurelius set a high standard for anyone becoming a leader.

If you’re a parent, employer, or even a sibling, you have responsibilities towards people. Take accountability and improve yourself. Your choices highly depend on the people around you.

Final thoughts:

Marcus Aurelius, the revered Stoic philosopher and Roman emperor, left behind a legacy of simple yet powerful habits that we can incorporate into our own lives.

These habits, distilled from his wisdom, offer us a blueprint for living a more meaningful and fulfilling existence.

Aurelius left behind a trail, which you have to walk alone — at least, you can do this.

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