A quote about stoicism in colorful mind – “The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts. — Marcus Aurelius”
If you stumbled upon a quote like this, you might wonder, “What does that even mean? How can my thoughts have colors?”
Have you ever pondered how your thoughts can shape your perception of the world? From gloomy to vibrant, our mental state has the power to transform our surroundings.
In a word, our thoughts shape our reality.
Let’s delve into the profound wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic philosopher-king, who emphasized the influence of our thoughts on our reality.
Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD, is renowned for his contributions to Stoic teachings. His idea that “the soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts” can be seen as a fundamental aspect of Stoicism. This concept underscores the profound connection between our internal thoughts and external experiences.
Marcus Aurelius likely arrived at this timeless insight through his deep engagement with Stoic principles and personal reflections:
No. 1 – Free from Perception
Marcus Aurelius was a dedicated Stoic practitioner. Stoicism emphasizes self-awareness, rationality, and the importance of cultivating virtuous character. One of the central tenets of Stoicism is the belief that our perception and judgment of external events shape our emotional responses and, consequently, our inner world.
No. 2 – Practice Self-Examination in Stoicism
Marcus Aurelius practiced a form of self-reflection known as “Stoic meditation” or “spiritual exercises.” He wrote the “Meditations,” a collection of personal notes and reflections, as a means to better understand himself and to strive for wisdom and virtue. Through this introspection, he likely observed the profound connection between his thoughts and his emotional state.
No. 3 – Observation of Human Behavior
As an emperor, Marcus Aurelius would have had ample opportunity to observe human behavior and the consequences of different thought patterns. He might have witnessed how people’s beliefs and attitudes shaped their actions, relationships, and overall well-being. This real-world observation likely contributed to his understanding of the idea.
No. 4 – Integrating What Stoicism Teaches
Stoicism teaches that external events are largely beyond our control, but our reactions to those events are within our control. By focusing on the internal, individuals can cultivate tranquility and virtuous character. The concept that our thoughts “dye” our soul with their color aligns with Stoicism’s core idea of mastering one’s inner world, and eventually, we could shape our reality.
No. 5 – Reflection of Personal Development
Throughout his life, Marcus Aurelius faced numerous challenges and conflicts, both as an emperor and as a human being. His writings reflect his personal struggles and growth which contributed to his understanding of thought influence. It’s plausible that he arrived at this idea through a process of self-improvement, realizing that his own thoughts played a pivotal role in shaping his character and responses to life’s trials.
Great Emperor and thinker Marcus Aurelius has gone with the wind, despite the passage of time, his idea continues to resonate with modern individuals, emphasizing our ability to transform our world through the color of our thoughts.