The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

Time to go back to ancient times for this RA Favorite book, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (circa 170 AD, they think).  The book has twelve “chapters” that researchers believe was a ‘journal’ that capture the authors views on how to best live his life, almost like an ancient “self-improvement” book. Having a strong foundation in one’s judgement is paramount for a person’s success.  Early in the book he credits his grandfather, great-grandfather, and mother for characteristics that illustrate his belief of balance, self-reliance, and modesty.  He then goes on to credit ancient philosophers for many of the virtues that share in their writings to be the “quintessential man,” who is able to appeal to others through a tranquil, modest, and thoughtful manner in relation to the world. He finally finishes chapter one thanking the Gods for having a family and friend base who provided so much to him for the gifts he has received. 

Here is one section from the book that captures the author’s journaling on the betterment of the person:

If thou shall find anything in this mortal life better than righteousness, than truth, temperament, fortitude, and in general better than a mind contended both with those things in according to right and reason she doth, and in those, which without her will and knowledge happen unto thee by the providence; if I say, thy canst find out anything better than this, apply thyself unto it with thy whole heart, and that which is best wheresoever thou dost find it, enjoy freely.  But if nothing thy shall find worthy to be preferred to that spirit which is within thee; if nothing better that to subject unto thee thine own lusts and desires, and not to give way to any fancies or imaginations before thou hast duly considered of them, nothing better than to withdraw thyself (to use Socrates his words) from all sensuality, and submit to thyself unto the Gods and to have care for all men in general: if thou shall not find all other things in comparison of this, are vile, and of a little moment, then give not way to any other thing, which being once though but afflicted or inclined unto, it will no more be in thy power without all distraction as thou oughtest to prefer and to pursue after that good, which is thine own and proper good.   

The book is fairly straightforward “life’s lessons” to be enacted through the wisdom imparted by those that Marcus holds in highest esteem.  He certainly studied the life and the manners in which people carried themselves and leaves us with some very thoughtful and sensible ways to live our lives.  The book seems to reiterate these lessons, over and over again.  So one chapter may capture most of his thoughts as they don’t necessarily go into layers of depth, but examples are clear-cut for the reader to take from Marcus.  Almost a pre-cursor to the lessons of a more modern Dale Carnegie’s How to win friends and influence people.  Treat others, as you would like to be treated, the golden rule… also good to read books on self-improvement.