One of the world's most famous and influential books: Meditations
Few ancient works have been as influential as the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, philosopher and emperor of Rome (A.D. 161–180).
A series of spiritual exercises filled with wisdom, practical guidance, and profound understanding of human behavior, it remains one of the greatest works of spiritual and ethical reflection ever written.
Ascending to the imperial throne in A.D. 161, Aurelius found his reign beset by natural disasters and war. In the wake of these challenges, he set down a series of private reflections, outlining a philosophy of commitment to virtue above pleasure and tranquility above happiness.
Marcus’s insights and advice—on everything from living in the world to coping with adversity and interacting with others—have made the Meditations required reading for all.
Stoicism: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius Animated Book Review
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Key Takeaways
Big Idea #1
“If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.”
This can be applied to everything including tougher things like death and being stabbed in the back by one of your closest friends. There are bad things that happen in life. That’s the reality. If or when something bad does happen, it is nothing surprising.
Big Idea #2
“You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
Right expectations. What do you have control over? You have control over your mind. Very little is needed to make a happy life. Happiness is all about the quality of thoughts you put in your head, all you have to do is put the right ones in there.
Big Idea #3
“When another blames you or hates you, or people voice similar criticisms, go to their souls, penetrate inside and see what sort of people they are. You will realize that there is no need to be racked with anxiety that they should hold any particular opinion about you.”
How do you deal with criticism? No one truly successful will ever criticize you. Whoever is being critical is most likely not successful or upset with their life. Why would you even give the slightest weight to his/her opinion?
Big Idea #4
“How much time he gains who does not look to see what his neighbor says or does or thinks, but only at what he does himself, to make it just and holy.”
There are plenty of things that you might not like or the government doesn’t do well. Who cares about what other people are doing? Lay off the gossip. What are YOU doing right?
