Meditations

One of the deepest examples of Stoic philosophy is Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, a private, soul-searching diary written by the most powerful man on Earth during the Roman Empire. Amidst war and plague, these "writings to himself" show an emperor struggling with leadership, transformation, and inner peace. Aurelius promotes stability and nature-based living throughout the work. He carefully breaks down the human ego, calling for extreme acceptance of the present and a steady focus on moral integrity, the only thing he can control. His observations remove fame and success myths, teaching psychological resilience. Our outlook on external events is within our control. This hauntingly beautiful guide to keeping a virtuous heart and a calm mind shows that a meaningful life can be built from the inside out, even in terrible adversity.

This hardcover edition is a republish of the translation by George Long. The translation is now in public domain.