The Originals : Meditations

Marcus Aurelius

mar 2022 · Om Books International

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You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realise this and you will find strength. Meditations, written by the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (ad 161-180), is the common name for a series of personal notes that the emperor wrote to himself, probably without the intention to ever publish his work. Deeply influenced by stoicism, the writings were probably a means for self-improvement. The simplicity and wisdom of the quotations make them relatable for the common reader. The series is divided into twelve books, which correspond to different phases of the emperor life. Nevertheless, the central themes of self-reflection and self-discipline run throughout his writings. Aurelius believed in the need to bring the self in harmony with the universe, control rash reactions and look for logical solutions. One of the most influential philosophical books ever written, meditations paves a way of life that is deeply influenced by teachings of stoic philosophy.

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Born on 26 April 121 CE, Marcus Aurelius was the Emperor of Rome from 161-180 CE. Considered the last successor of the ‘Five Good Emperors’, who were from the Nerva-Antonine dynasty, he was associated with the Golden Age of the Roman Empire. Best known for his widely acclaimed philosophical notes, Meditations, the Emperor was a practitioner of Stoicism. Well-versed in Greek and Latin, he chose to record his reflections in Greek. Written at a turbulent time when he was securing the trans-Danubian frontiers against German invasion, the reflections were personal and a means for self-improvement and guidance for the Emperor-Philosopher. Celebrated for nobility of character and his philosophical achievement embodied in Meditations, Marcus Aurelius died in 180 CE, marking the end of Pax Romana, the period of peace and stability, for the Roman Empire.