MEDITATIONS by

Marcus Aurelius

 

Meditations is the private thoughts of one of the world’s most powerful man giving advice to himself on how to make good on the responsibilities and obligations of his positions.  A central theme to Meditations is the importance of analyzing one's judgment of self and others and the development of a cosmic perspective.  Marcus delves into spiritual reflections and exercises. The book cover such diverse topics as the question of virtue, human rationality, the nature of the gods and Aurelius's own emotions such as doubt, despair and exaltation.

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"Is any man afraid of change? What can take place without change? What then is more pleasing or more suitable to the universal nature? And canst thou take a bath unless the wood undergoes a change? And canst thou be nourished, unless the food undergoes a change? And can anything else that is useful be accomplished without change?”

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Marcus Aurelius was the last of the Five Good Emperors of Rome. His reign (161–180 CE) marked the end of a period of internal tranquility and good government. After his death the empire quickly descended into civil war. He has symbolized the Golden Age of the Roman Empire for many generations in the West.