First you must get out of bed

Published in 1854, 'Walden; Or, Life in the Woods' is a series of 18 essays that reflect Thoreau's experiences living in a small cabin near Walden Pond from July 1845 to September 1847. The book is a personal declaration of independence, a social experiment, and a voyage of spiritual discovery. Thoreau details his life in the woods, discussing the construction of his cabin, his daily activities, and his philosophical reflections on economy, social relations, and the importance of living in harmony with nature. The work is considered a cornerstone of American literature and a foundational text in the Transcendentalist movement, emphasizing the benefits of a simplified lifestyle and the importance of individual freedom and self-reliance.

The letters, written between approximately 63 AD and 65 AD, are addressed to Lucilius Junior, the procurator of Sicily. They are not strictly personal correspondence but rather open letters intended for a wider audience. Seneca discusses various aspects of Stoic philosophy, including the importance of virtue, the fleeting nature of life, and how to deal with daily challenges. The letters often start with observations of everyday incidents and expand into broader philosophical discussions. Seneca emphasizes moderation, the importance of living in the present, and the need to cultivate inner strength and wisdom.

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.