Explore how Marcus Aurelius’s teachings can transform modern life. Dive into Ryan's personal journey with 'Meditations,' sparked during a trip to Brazil. Discover the timeless wisdom of this historical giant and how his insights resonate with today’s challenges. Learn about the power of self-reflection and personal growth through Stoic philosophy. Plus, get tips on staying hydrated while traveling!
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Ryan's Airport Bookstore Discovery
Ryan Holiday recounts finding his name on the cover of a Portuguese edition of Meditations in a Brazilian airport bookstore.
This moment connected him deeply to the book that changed his life at 19 and solidified his ongoing relationship with it.
insights INSIGHT
Meditations: A Rare Historical Exception
Meditations is an unprecedented work: the private diary of an immensely powerful man, Marcus Aurelius.
Its decency and craftsmanship defy expectations of corruption and distance in ancient power.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Ryan's First Stoic Purchase
Ryan Holiday purchased his first copy of Meditations at 19, not knowing its impact.
This teenage purchase marked the start of a life-changing relationship with Stoicism.
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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.
When Marcus Aurelius addresses “you”—reminding you that your thoughts shape the quality of your mind, or advising you to choose not to be harmed so that you won’t feel harmed—he is speaking to himself. This exercise in self-improvement is so sincere and earnest, sometimes painfully so, that it unintentionally speaks directly to us, helping us with our modern problems. In today's episode, Ryan Holiday shares the profound shift these lessons had on his life since discovering Meditations at 19.
🎉 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.
Get 20% off with a Meditations BOOK & GUIDE bundle. Join the LIVE Meditations Q&A with Ryan Holiday by purchasing before April 26th!
Get all our Meditations offering and learn more at our official Meditations Collection at dailystoic.com/meditations today.
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