Marcus Aurelius — Meditations
← all texts · Classical wisdom · c. 170–180 CE
What this is
The private notebook of a Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher — terse reflections on duty, mortality, the cosmos and self-mastery, written only for himself. The most readable doorway into Stoicism.
Highlighted names link to their entry in the encyclopedia.
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Companion reading path
What to read alongside it, and why.
Sun Tzu — The Art of War
Classical wisdom
Eastern and Western classics of disciplined practical wisdom.
The Tao Te Ching
Taoist & Chinese
Compare Stoic acceptance with Taoist wu wei.