Philosophy

Meditations

Marcus Aurelius

Cover of Meditations
Meditations
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Philosophy#stoicism#calm

Meditations

Portrait of Marcus Aurelius
Written byMarcus Aurelius

The private notes of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, written to himself, on how to live with calm, honesty and kindness. A classic of Stoic thinking.

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  • GenrePhilosophy
  • Key ideas6
  • Summary1 min read

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  1. 01Control what you can

    Focus on your own thoughts and actions. Let go of what lies outside them.

  2. 02Your view shapes your day

    Events don't upset us as much as our judgments about them.

  3. 03Do your duty well

    Get up and do the work in front of you, simply and fully.

  4. 04Remember life is short

    Thinking about how brief life is helps you put things in perspective.

  5. 05Be patient with others

    People who hurt you often act out of ignorance. Respond with understanding.

  6. 06Act for the common good

    We are made to work together, like parts of one body.

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Control what you can

Focus on your own thoughts and actions. Let go of what lies outside them. Pick one small way to put this into practice before tonight.

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

— Marcus Aurelius

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Photos via Wikimedia Commons — Marcus Aurelius: Unknown author · CC BY 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons