Meditations

It has been a long time coming but I have finally got around to reading Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. Aurelius was the last of what Machiavelli coined “The Five Good Emperors”.  Marcus Aurelius never meant for his writings to be published or read by any other. His writings were private journals meant for his eyes only. I have always been fascinated with the miracle that his writings have survived this long. They were written on ancient papyrus, and here I am today, reading them on my iPad. I wonder what the Roman Emperor would think of that?

He may have ruled ancient Rome two thousand years ago but I find the problems we face today are virtually identical to the problems and moral dilemmas that Marcus Aurelius faced so long ago. Environmental issues, social injustice, conspicuous consumption — two millennia later and we seem to have made little progress on issues that continue to plague mankind.

Meditations is a humbling and inspiring read. A two thousand year old message of simplicity, compassion, accountability, and mindful living. An important message indeed.

“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking." 

“It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.”

“The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.”

“Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.”

“You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.” 

“Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” 

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” 

“The soul becomes dyed with the colour of its thoughts.” 

“If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it.” 

 - Marcus Aurelius (121 - 180)