Marcus Aurelius presents two fundamental truths about existence. First, he acknowledges the inherent nature of reality: "The universe is change." Everything is in flux—seasons turn, relationships evolve, circumstances shift. Resistance to this truth is the source of much suffering.

The second truth is where our power lies: "our life is what our thoughts make it." While we cannot control external changes, we have absolute sovereignty over how we interpret and respond to them. Our "thoughts" about events—whether we see them as threats or opportunities, endings or beginnings—determine the quality of our experience. This perspective is what transforms mere existence into a meaningful life.

This quote empowers us to practice conscious adaptation. It teaches that a good life comes not from controlling change, but from mastering our mental response to it.