Meditations

"Meditations" by Emperor of Rome Marcus Aurelius is a philosophical exploration from the 2nd century AD that shares the private thoughts of a Roman leader grappling with tough choices and aiming for moral excellence. The book is all about thinking deeply about yourself, sticking to what's right, and staying calm and logical when life gets hard. Early on, the writings introduce the life of Marcus Aurelius, noting his experiences as a youth, education, and the philosophies he was exposed to. He talks about how much he appreciates his family and teachers, who taught him to be kind, balanced, and responsible. With his foundations laid, Marcus then contemplates the universe, what it means to be human, and the importance of being kind and self-controlled. All of these things shape how he experiences Stoicism in his life.