The Bottom Line: The philosophy of the famous Stoic Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius. What he felt was relevant during his rule, is still important today.
Marcus Aurelius was the famous Emperor of Rome during the age of decadance and Stoic philosophy. This book, The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, is layed out as a collection of confessions made by Aurelius during his life as an Emperor, to his death. Originally titled "Marcus Aurelius to Himself." Marcus Aurelius was born in 121 A.D. and was one of the last great Stoic philosophers. A summary of what the Stoic philosphy really stands for, and an explanation of how aurelius felt people should present themselves... This is, in my opinion, the oldest book of proper, liveable, modern morals there is. This collection is very personal, intimate, and touching to your morals and existing philosophy. I suggest that anyone who isn't familiar with Aurelius, or a fan of philosophy and new ideas take a peek inside this famous friend's mind.
I aquired this book upon moving out and starting my first job. I was frustrated with the working world, and found no time for myself. Isn't that life though? Upon finding this book I was rather intrigued by the idea that a person is to quietly live for their duty... To do the work of a human being. This book is all that got me though a very drastic change in my life, and still keeps me going today. It's what we live to do, which is described in this book. Aurelius puts it in a very heartfelt way, the duties which are ours as humans. Giving a jolt to one's morals, and perhaps (hopefully) one's philosophy... Aurelius starts with a rant of what his childhood produced, leading on to his beliefs for all alive.
Consisting of twelve books, or chapters one might say, that lead us through his life and the process of learning.
Book I covers what he has learned from family, friends, and his observations of these people... "From Maximus... I observed that everybody believed that he thought as he spoke, and that in all that he did he never had any bad intention..."
Book II begins with how to deal with the stresses of daily life, and things less than pleasurable. Very inspiring.
Book III presents things we should consider and appreciate in life.
Book IV is about your soul, your nature, the universe, and rules of nature.
Book V is my absolute favorite! Aurelius goes on to tell of why we should deal with what is thrown at us, and gives us many reasons to be a busy worker bee, and a complacent one at that... "In the morning when thou risest unwillingly, let this thought be present-I am rising to the work of a human being. Why then am I dissatisfied if I am going to do the things for which I exist and for which I was brought into the world? Or have I been made for this, to lie in the bed clothes and keep myself warm?-But this is more pleasant. Dost thou exist then to take they pleasure, and not at all for action or exertion?"
The rest of the books in this collection go on to reflect the very high and mighty beliefs of Aurelius, attempting to point all his loyal friends all followers in the right direction. Telling us we should follow and respect the "Gods", this book is an example of the transitions from Stoic philosophy to early Christianity, and a higher standard of morals and universal rule than exists today. It's a shame, reading this, looking at what has changed in modern day thought. I really consider the fact that society has become it's own follower, and we no longer have someone like Aurelius to guide us... But we do. His teachings and confessions still remain relevant and tranquil in todays world.
I think that anyone who would allow a bit of Aurelius' philosophy to penetrate their own would greatly benefit today's world. The things that need to be considered by people today, Aurelius pointed out before his death in 180 A.D. A very intelligent creation, I think everyone should at least read a bit of this to see if it can help them figure themselves, or the rest of the world, out.
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