Every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinions of himself than on the opinions of others.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote by Marcus Aurelius highlights an interesting paradox in human nature. On one hand, individuals have a natural inclination to prioritize their own well-being and self-interests above others. We have an inherent love for ourselves and tend to place our own needs and desires at the forefront. This self-love is a fundamental aspect of our nature.
However, the second part of the quote reveals an intriguing contradiction. Despite loving ourselves more than anyone else, we often undervalue our own opinions and judgments. We seek external validation and approval from others, attaching greater importance to their perspectives and evaluations of us. This phenomenon can be attributed to our social nature and the inherent desire for acceptance within a community or society.
The opinion of others holds weight in our lives because we crave belongingness and fear rejection. We may value external validation as a measure of our worth or competence, relying on the opinions of others to shape our self-perception. This tendency can sometimes lead to a diminished sense of self and an overreliance on external validation, hindering our ability to cultivate a strong and authentic self-identity.
Recognizing this paradox allows us to reflect on the importance of self-acceptance and self-validation. While seeking feedback and considering different perspectives can be valuable for personal growth, it is crucial to strike a balance. Valuing our own opinions, thoughts, and aspirations is essential for building self-confidence, making autonomous decisions, and cultivating a genuine sense of self-worth. By embracing our own opinions and recognizing their value, we can navigate the delicate balance between self-love and the opinions of others.
In essence, this quote encourages us to strike a harmonious equilibrium between self-acceptance and the external world, reminding us of the significance of valuing our own thoughts and opinions while also acknowledging the influence of others in our lives.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinions of himself than on the opinions of others." was said by Marcus Aurelius (Bio / Quotes). Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor who ruled from AD 161 until his death in AD 180.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
One historical example that illustrates the quote "Every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinions of himself than on the opinions of others" is the story of King Louis XVI of France. Louis XVI's reign, which ended with the French Revolution, offers a compelling narrative of how self-perception and external opinions can clash dramatically.
King Louis XVI was deeply invested in his own self-image as a benevolent and capable ruler. He considered himself a good king who was genuinely concerned with the welfare of his subjects. Despite his self-view as a thoughtful and just monarch, Louis XVI was heavily influenced by the opinions of his courtiers, advisors, and, most importantly, the emerging revolutionary sentiment among the French people.
During his reign, Louis XVI sought to maintain his position and secure his legacy by aligning with the prevailing opinions of his advisors and the aristocracy, often at the expense of his own judgments and the needs of his people. His reluctance to address the dire economic conditions and his failure to implement meaningful reforms were partly driven by his concern over how his decisions would be perceived by the influential figures around him. This made him vulnerable to criticism and ultimately contributed to the discontent that fueled the Revolution.
The quote reflects how Louis XVI valued the opinions of others—particularly those of his advisors and the aristocracy—over his own internal sense of what was right or necessary. His reliance on external validation and his fear of contradicting established norms led to a disconnect between his self-image as a good king and the reality of his ineffective leadership. This disconnect eventually led to his downfall, illustrating the quote's message about the human tendency to prioritize others' opinions over one's own self-assessment.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
In real life, the quote "Every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinions of himself than on the opinions of others" can be seen in everyday situations, such as in professional environments or personal relationships.
Consider a scenario in a workplace where an employee, Sarah, is working on a major project. Sarah is confident in her skills and believes she has a good grasp of the project's requirements. However, despite her confidence, she finds herself constantly seeking validation from her colleagues and supervisors. She often questions her decisions and is anxious about receiving feedback, even when she knows her work is solid.
Sarah’s actions reflect the quote’s message. Even though she values her own self-assessment and believes she is competent, she places greater importance on the opinions of her colleagues and supervisors. This reliance on external validation can lead to indecision and a lack of confidence in her own judgments.
To apply the quote’s insight constructively, Sarah could focus on balancing her self-assessment with external feedback. She could develop a stronger internal compass by reflecting on her own achievements and skills while still being open to constructive criticism. By valuing her own opinions alongside others', she can build greater self-confidence and make more informed decisions without being unduly swayed by external pressures.
This approach not only helps in fostering a healthier self-image but also encourages personal growth. It demonstrates how understanding the dynamics between self-love and external validation can lead to more effective decision-making and personal development.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
