# Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your lif... | Marcus Aurelius Quote

> Source: https://positivity.org/quotes/quote-marcus-aurelius-think-yourself-dead

> Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now, take what is left and live it properly.

## What This Quote Means

Imagine you have already wasted your life — and now you have been given a second chance. This mental exercise creates urgency and intentionality.

## 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

### Memento mori

Regularly contemplate your mortality to sharpen your appreciation of life.

### Second chance mindset

Treat today as a fresh start, regardless of past mistakes.

### Priority clarity

If this were your second chance at life, what would you do differently?

## Reflection Questions

- If I had already lived my life and been given a second chance, what would I change?

- What am I putting off that I would regret not doing?

- How does contemplating death change how I want to live today?

## More Quotes by Marcus Aurelius

> You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.

> The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.

> Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.

> Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.

> When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive — to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.