Our life is what our thoughts make it.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote is a fundamental principle of the law of attraction and cognitive psychology, signifying that our thoughts have the power to shape our lives. Essentially, it encapsulates the idea that our internal dialogue, the thoughts that we think on a daily basis, have a direct impact on our external circumstances. If we maintain positive thoughts, we tend to attract positive experiences, and vice versa. Our thoughts, imbued with our beliefs and attitudes, effectively create a blueprint for our lives. They influence our actions, reactions, and the choices we make. They determine how we perceive ourselves, how we interact with others, and ultimately, how we navigate the world. By acknowledging the power of our thoughts, we can take control of our lives, consciously directing our thoughts towards the outcomes we desire. It's a reminder that we are not mere passive spectators in life, but active participants with the ability to shape our own destiny.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Our life is what our thoughts make it." 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?
A historical example that vividly illustrates the message of the quote, "Our life is what our thoughts make it," can be found in the life of Viktor Frankl, an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor. Frankl's experiences during World War II, especially his time in Nazi concentration camps, serve as a profound testament to the power of thoughts in shaping one's life.
In 1942, Frankl was arrested and eventually sent to Auschwitz, one of the most notorious Nazi concentration camps. The conditions he and others endured were unimaginably harsh—starvation, disease, forced labor, and the constant threat of death. Many prisoners, understandably, succumbed to despair and hopelessness. Yet, in this environment of extreme suffering, Frankl found that his ability to choose his thoughts became a critical factor in his survival.
Frankl observed that those who lost hope often deteriorated quickly, both physically and mentally. Conversely, those who managed to find some meaning, even in their suffering, tended to survive longer. Frankl himself clung to the hope of seeing his wife again, despite not knowing if she was still alive. He also immersed himself in imagining lectures he would give after the war about the psychology of the concentration camp experience.
This mental focus, this deliberate choice to fill his mind with thoughts of hope, meaning, and purpose, played a significant role in his survival. After the war, Frankl wrote "Man's Search for Meaning," where he articulated his belief that life has meaning under all circumstances, even the most miserable ones, and that our perception of this meaning is what sustains us. Frankl’s life, shaped profoundly by his thoughts during his darkest hours, is a powerful historical illustration of the quote.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
The quote "Our life is what our thoughts make it" can be applied in various real-life scenarios, particularly in how we respond to challenges and setbacks. Imagine someone who is facing a difficult situation, such as losing their job. This person has two primary ways of thinking about the situation.
In the first scenario, the individual might allow thoughts of failure, inadequacy, and hopelessness to dominate their mind. They might dwell on the negative aspects, focusing on the financial uncertainty and the perceived blow to their self-esteem. These thoughts can lead to a downward spiral, where the person feels increasingly despondent and paralyzed by their situation. The negativity in their mind influences their actions—they may withdraw from social interactions, avoid seeking new opportunities, and even develop feelings of depression. In this case, their life becomes a reflection of their thoughts, and it takes on a negative trajectory.
In the second scenario, the individual acknowledges the difficulty of losing their job but chooses to focus on thoughts that are constructive and empowering. They might see this setback as an opportunity to explore new career paths, develop new skills, or pursue a passion that they previously had no time for. By maintaining a positive and proactive mindset, they start to take actions that reflect these thoughts—they network, apply for jobs, perhaps start a side project, and continue to grow personally and professionally. Over time, their life begins to improve, not because the external circumstances changed overnight, but because their thoughts guided them towards actions that created positive change.
In both scenarios, the person’s life is directly shaped by the nature of their thoughts. This example illustrates that by consciously choosing our thoughts, especially in the face of adversity, we can significantly influence the course of our lives. In everyday life, this might mean adopting a mindset of gratitude, focusing on solutions rather than problems, or setting positive intentions for the day. Over time, these thoughts create patterns that shape our behaviors, decisions, and ultimately, our life’s direction.
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.
