The quotes here generally revolve around the themes of life, wisdom, and philosophy (Stoicism in particular). Instead of telling us how we should live for a good life, it guides us on how to think about life. They are meant to provoke thought and reflection, and to help us navigate the complexities of life. I hope you find much value in them as I have.
When any rule or formula becomes a substitute for thought rather than an aid to thinking, it is dangerous and should be discarded.
— Thomas W. Phelps, 100 to 1 in the Stock Market
Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.
— Viktor Frankl
Knowing what you don’t know is more useful than being brilliant.
— Charlie Munger
Live as if you were living a second time, and as though you had acted wrongly the first time.
— Viktor Frankl
Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by rulers as useful.
— Seneca
Note: I know religion is a sensitive topic for many, and I have no doubt that there’s tremendous value in religion for many people. However, I believe Seneca’s quote is more about the political use of religion rather than its spiritual value. It helps to remind us to be wary of those who use religion to manipulate us for their vested interests.
Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.
— Steve Jobs
You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
— Marcus Aurelius
It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.
— Epictetus
We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.
— Seneca
The highest form of wealth is the ability to wake up every morning and say, “I can do whatever I want today.”
— Morgan Housel, The Psychology of Money
He who has a Why to live can bear almost any How.
— Friedrich Nietzsche
Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather he must recognize that it is he who is asked.
— Viktor Frankl
You are what your deepest desire is. As is your desire, so is your intention. As is your intention, so is your will. As is your will, so is your deed. As is your deed, so is your destiny.
— Upanishads
It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.
— Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes