Meditations

Synopsis

A deluxe special edition of the ancient classic written by the Roman Emperor known as "The Philosopher"

Meditations is a series of personal journals written by Marcus Aurelius, Emperor of Rome from 169 to 180 AD. The last of the "Five Good Emperors," he was the most powerful and influential man in the Western world at the time. Marcus was one of the leaders of Stoicism, a philosophy of personal ethics which sought resilience and virtue through personal action and responsibility. Stoicism, viewed as a foundation of modern self-help, has inspired many personal development and psychotherapy approaches through to the present day.

Meditations is perhaps the most important source of our modern understanding of Stoic philosophy. Its twelve books chronicle different stages of Marcus Aurelius' life and ideas. Although he ruled during the Pax Romana, the age of relative peace and stability throughout the empire, his reign was marked by near-constant military conflict and a devastating plague which killed upwards of five million people. Aurelius' writings give modern readers an unprecedented look into the "spiritual exercises" which helped him through his tumultuous life and strengthened his patience, empathy, generosity, self-knowledge and emotional health. The private reflections recorded in the Meditations were never meant to be published, rather they were a source for Marcus' own guidance and self-improvement, and jotted down by campfires or in military tents on the Roman front. The lessons, insights and perspectives contained within this remarkable work are just as relevant today as they were two millennia ago. This volume:

• Presents the timeless wisdom of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his Stoic philosophy, with new research on his life and times
• Contains valuable insights on topics such as resilience, moderation and emotional control
• Discusses how to live "in agreement with nature" and abide by strong ethical principles

Part of the bestselling Capstone Classics Series edited by Tom Butler-Bowdon, this attractive, high-quality hardcover volume includes:

• An original Introduction by Marcus Aurelius authority and Stoicism expert Donald Robertson, author of How To Think Like A Roman Emperor.
• A modernised, up to date version of the classic George Long translation.  

Meditations: The Philosophy Classic is a volume which will occupy a prominent place in any library for years to come.

Summary

Chapter 1: On the Shortness of Life

* Summary: Stoicism teaches that time is fleeting and we should focus on using it wisely.
* Example: Marcus Aurelius quotes Heraclitus: "The sun is new every day." Just as the sun begins anew each morning, so should we strive to renew our lives daily.

Chapter 2: On the Nature of the Universe

* Summary: Stoicism sees the universe as a rational and orderly system. We should strive to live in harmony with nature and its laws.
* Example: Aurelius writes: "The universe is change; life is opinion." We cannot control external events, but we can control our judgments and reactions.

Chapter 3: On Free Will and Fate

* Summary: Stoicism teaches that we have free will over our thoughts and actions. However, we should accept that certain things are beyond our control.
* Example: Aurelius says: "The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way." Obstacles can provide opportunities for growth and resilience.

Chapter 4: On Emotions

* Summary: Stoicism advocates for controlling emotions through reason. We should strive to eliminate negative emotions and cultivate virtue.
* Example: Aurelius writes: "The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes the obstacle to our acting." We can reframe obstacles as challenges and opportunities.

Chapter 5: On Human Nature

* Summary: Stoicism recognizes that humans are social creatures with both virtues and vices. We should focus on developing our virtues and accepting our flaws.
* Example: Aurelius says: "The best way to revenge an injury is not to commit it." Seeking revenge perpetuates a cycle of harm.

Chapter 6: On Duty

* Summary: Stoicism emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our duties towards others and ourselves. Our actions should align with our values.
* Example: Aurelius writes: "He who has done what is right has done good, and he for whom it was done has received good." Doing good for others benefits both the giver and receiver.

Chapter 7: On Virtue

* Summary: Stoicism defines virtue as the highest good. By practicing virtue, we cultivate inner peace and happiness.
* Example: Aurelius says: "Virtue is a harmony of the soul." Virtue brings balance and tranquility to our lives.

Chapter 8: On Virtue II

* Summary: Stoicism believes that virtue is the only true possession. External possessions can be lost, but virtue remains within us.
* Example: Aurelius writes: "The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." Our destiny is shaped by our choices and actions.

Chapter 9: On Providence

* Summary: Stoicism believes in a divine force that governs the universe. We should trust in providence and accept whatever happens.
* Example: Aurelius says: "All things are connected in the vast web of existence." Our actions have consequences that affect the entire universe.

Chapter 10: On the View from Above

* Summary: Stoicism encourages us to take a wider perspective on life. By considering the vastness of the universe, we gain a sense of perspective and humility.
* Example: Aurelius writes: "Compared to the eternity of time and the magnitude of existence, everything is small and fleeting." Our concerns and worries become trivial in the grand scheme of things.