In a world filled with distractions, the Stoics emphasized the power of living in the present moment. Through their timeless teachings, philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus offer profound insights into embracing the here and now. These quotes are not just words; they serve as reminders to focus on what is within our control, let go of what isn’t, and find peace in the present.
Here are the best “Be Present” quotes by the ancient Stoics.
- “It is likely that some troubles will befall us; but it is not a present fact. How often has the unexpected happened!” – Seneca
- “We suffer more often in imagination than in reality” – Seneca
3. “Forget everything else. Keep hold of this alone and remember it: Each of us lives only now, this brief instant.” – Marcus Aurelius
4. “Life is short. That’s all there is to say. Get what you can from the present—thoughtfully, justly” – Marcus Aurelius
5. ‘If you’ve seen the present then you’ve seen everything—as it’s been since the beginning, as it will be forever.” – Marcus Aurelius
6. “Stop being jerked like a puppet. Limit yourself to the present.” – Marcus Aurelius
7. “Don’t let your imagination be crushed by life as a whole.” – Marcus Aurelius
8. “Give yourself a gift: the present moment.” – Marcus Aurelius
9. “That the longest-lived and those who will die soonest lose the same thing. The present is all that they can give up, since that is all you have, and what you do not have, you cannot lose… foryou can’t lose either the past or the future” – Marcus Aurelius
10. “Remind yourself that past and future have no power over you. Only the present—and even that can be minimized.” – Marcus Aurelius
11. “Stop perceiving the pain you imagine.” – Marcus Aurelius
