"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we ..." — Marcus Aurelius
Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.
What This Quote Means
Our perceptions and beliefs are interpretations, not objective reality. Recognizing this gives us freedom from rigid thinking and opens us to other viewpoints.
About Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, considered one of the last good emperors of Rome.
Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD) was a practitioner of Stoic philosophy who wrote his personal reflections while governing the Roman Empire during a period of constant warfare and plague.
How to Apply This Wisdom
Intellectual humility
Hold your opinions more lightly and be open to being wrong.
Active listening
When disagreeing with someone, consider that their perspective might contain truth you are missing.
Critical thinking
Question information presented as fact — consider the source and perspective.
Reflection Questions
- What opinion am I holding as though it were absolute truth?
- Whose perspective have I dismissed that might contain valuable insight?
- How would greater intellectual humility improve my relationships?
Stay Inspired
Get a daily dose of positivity delivered to your inbox.