How Could It Possibly Help You? | Test Your Impressions
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Apr 8, 2025
Explore the timeless wisdom of Marcus Aurelius's Meditations and its impact on leaders throughout history. Dive into Epictetus's teachings on testing our impressions and the importance of discerning our judgments. Uncover how cognitive biases shape our perceptions, and learn to challenge them for a clearer understanding of reality. This insightful discussion emphasizes the Stoic practice of self-reflection and critical thinking as tools for resilience in modern life.
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insights INSIGHT
Enduring Wisdom
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius has enduring influence because it addresses universal human questions.
It explores the good life, dealing with problems, and treating others well.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Historic Readers
Meditations was carried into battle by Frederick the Great and General James Mattis.
It has been read and praised by American presidents and admired by Robert Louis Stevenson.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Test Your Impressions
Test your impressions like an assayer verifying the authenticity of metals.
Question assumptions and examine perceptions critically before accepting them.
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Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.
The Enchiridion
Epictetus
Tony Darnell
Thomas Wentworth Higginson
The Enchiridion is a concise summary of the basic ideas of Stoic philosophy and provides techniques for transforming these principles into a way of life. It was compiled by Arrian from the teachings of Epictetus and is notable for its practical advice on moral conduct in various life situations. Unlike the Discourses, which present Epictetus' teachings in a more dynamic and situational context, the Enchiridion is a more structured and concise guide to Stoic living[1][5].
Discourses
Epictetus
The Discourses of Epictetus are a series of informal lectures written down by his pupil Arrian around 108 AD. The philosophy of Epictetus is intensely practical, directing students to focus on their opinions, anxieties, passions, and desires to distinguish what is within their control from what is not. The teachings aim to make people free and happy by living virtuously and 'according to nature.' The Discourses cover a wide range of topics, including friendship, illness, fear, and poverty, and how to acquire and maintain tranquility. They are set in Epictetus' classroom in Nicopolis and reflect his earnest and often humorous style of teaching[3][4][5].
How to Read Marcus Aurelius' Meditations
A Daily Stoic Guide
Ryan Holiday
This course is designed to help readers understand and apply the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius' 'Meditations'. It includes video and audio content, journaling prompts, and insights from experts to deepen one's engagement with Stoicism. The course is structured into 11 modules that can be completed at one's own pace.
It’s a book that was never meant to be read. So why has Meditations by Marcus Aurelius endured and influenced across so many centuries? And what makes its ancient wisdom still relevant to the modern problems we face today?
🎉 Celebrate Marcus Aurelius' Birthday this month by reading Meditations with us and the Daily Stoic community. On April 26th, 1905 years after the day of his birth, Ryan Holiday will host an invite-only LIVE Q&A to talk about all things Marcus Aurelius and Meditations.
The Daily Stoic 
