Marcus Aurelius & Meditations: Stoicism Fundamentals
Who he was, what is stoicism simply, and it's 8 main principles
Stoicism has really blown up.
This is great because more people are aware of it – this is problematic because more people are confusing it.
Below is everything you need to know about:
Marcus Aurelius
Meditations
Basics of Stoicism
Happy reading.
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts”
– Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
🤴Who Was Marcus Aurelius?
Born 121 AD, Rome, to a wealthy family – Marcus was not actually in line to become emperor.
It was at the age of 17, that the young man was adopted by Emperor Antoninus Pius to be his successor. Chosen for his character, He was given a thorough education (including philosophy), and groomed for leadership.
In 161 AD, Emperor Pius died, and Marcus became joint emperor with another adopted son: Lucius Verus.
A few years later, Verus died, leaving Marcus as the sole emperor of Rome.
Marcus went on to rule for another 11 years.
He went on numerous military campaigns in that time, but died in 180 AD while still engaged in a war against the Gauls. His death is attributed to a culmination of stress and disease (possibly the plague).
📖 What is Meditations?
This is his private journal.
It was written over the period of 170-180 AD, and contains 12 books/chapters. In it are found profound insights and thoughts of one of the five good emperors of Rome – most being short aphorism aimed at himself (to keep himself on the path of virtue).
The first book is literally him listing the things he is grateful for.
And over the next ten years, he covers everything from dealing with annoying people, to finally facing death.
🏛️ What is Stoicism?
The word comes from the Ancient Greek word ‘stoa’, which is a kind of patio.
This is because the founder of the philosophy, Zeno, first preached his ideas on a stoa around 300 BC. Being an avid reader of Socratic literature, the movement dates back to some of the earliest days of Western philosophy.
These are the basic tenets of Stoicism with extracts from the book.
Virtue is the highest good
"To be calm is the highest virtue"
(Book 6, Section 30)
Control What You Can; Accept What You Cannot
"You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength"
(Book 8, Section 47)
Live in Accordance with Nature
"Everything is only for a moment, and the universe is constantly in flux."
(Book 5, Section 23)
Embrace Rationality and Self-Discipline
"The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury"
(Book 6, Section 6)
Understand the Transience of Life
"The life of a man is a fleeting moment, and he who values what is transient is foolish"
(Book 8, Section 14)
Cultivate Inner Peace and Resilience
"The more we value things outside our control, the less control we have"
(Book 4, Section 7)
Act with Justice and Integrity
"Be just, even if you are not recognized for it"
(Book 8, Section 16)
Focus on the Present Moment
"The present moment is all you have; focus on it with clarity and purpose"
(Book 3, Section 9)
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Further/suggested reading & bonus links
Suggested reads
Letter From a Stoic – Seneca the Younger
Another classic (and fun) piece of stoic literature
Bonus
By favourite verse – the finishing lines of Meditations
Thank you! I would love to read his journal filled with what he was grateful for, :)