History Obliterates In Every Picture It Paints | Why You Need To Read Meditations By Marcus Aurelius

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Apr 18, 2025

Explore the profound insights of Marcus Aurelius’ 'Meditations' and its impact on personal growth. The discussion reveals how Stoic philosophy can help navigate life's challenges and foster gratitude. Delve into the timeless teachings on resilience and self-awareness that continue to resonate with modern audiences. Discover the evolving interpretations of the text with each reading, and learn about the unexpected rise of a vibrant community dedicated to embracing Stoic principles.

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INSIGHT

Meditations as Private Journal

Meditations is a personal journal of Marcus Aurelius, not a public philosophical treatise.
It reveals his struggle to act rightly amid immense power and hardship, rather than his full character.

ADVICE

Stoicism's Practical Core

Read Meditations as a guide to practical Stoic philosophy rather than abstract theory.
It teaches focusing on what is within your control and using obstacles as opportunities.

INSIGHT

Virtues as Life's Compass

Meditations focuses on virtues: courage, discipline, justice, and wisdom as life guides.
Marcus Aurelius insists doing the right thing matters regardless of external approval or circumstance.

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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].

The obstacle is the way

Ryan Holiday

In 'The Obstacle Is the Way', Ryan Holiday presents a framework for turning obstacles into successes. Drawing from the philosophy of Stoicism and the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Holiday outlines three disciplines: perception, action, and will. He illustrates these principles with historical anecdotes from figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, Ulysses S. Grant, and Steve Jobs. The book emphasizes the importance of perception in shaping one's response to obstacles, the need for intentional and creative action, and the cultivation of will to persist through challenges. Holiday argues that by adopting these Stoic principles, individuals can transform their obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.

Meditations

Marcus Aurelius

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.