A book review
What are the chances that personal notes written by a great Roman emperor in 160 A.D. would survive thousands of years.
The Meditations is a set of transcripts written by Marcus Aurelius, the great philosopher King of Roman Empire.
It is likely that he never intended to publish them.
“ Even if you are going to live 3000 more years, or ten times that, remember: you can not lose another life than the one you’re living now, or live another one than the one you’re loosing. The longest amounts to the same as the shortest. The present is the same for everyone; its loss is the same for everyone; and it should be clear that a brief instant is all that is lost. For you can’t lose either the past of the future; how could you lose what you don’t have ? ”
— Marcus Aurelius 180 AD
The Emperor
Emperor Marcus Aurelius was one of the last great rulers of the Roman Empire. After the death of Antoninus Pius, young Marcus took on the responsibility of ruling the Roman kingdom (161–180 AD). Marcus saw defeats in his earlier battles but soon after he emerged victorious.
He spent much of his time in Sirmium planning, campaigning and writing. His writing showcased his thoughts on self-growth and his role as a human being. It is amazing that a great king once faced similar self dilemmas like the once we encounter today.
I have often wondered how it is that every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinion of himself than on the opinion of others.
The Book
This book is divided into 12 small chapters. The writings are in forms of small paragraphs each mark with numbers. Chapters do not have any particular order or theme. At about 200 pages, it is a quick read but it will leave you pondering for days after.
His writing style also reflects his stoic philosophy of simplicity and minimalism. Overall theme of the book focuses on presence moment and how one should only try to improve oneself without worrying about others judgment.
Anyone interested in self reflection and philosophy should defiantly read this book. I also very much enjoyed Maru kun’s review on this book here.
Enter their minds and you’ll find the judges you’re so afraid of and how judiciously they judge themselves.
