The way he handled the material comforts that fortune had supplied him in such abundance-without arrogance and without apology. Close imitation of Attic was not required because Marcus Aurelius wrote in a philosophical context without thought of publication. Using Marcus as an example of greater Stoic philosophy, he found the Stoic ethical philosophy to contain an element of " sour grapes. But I can think of instances where - if I said that to someone - I'd be a victim because of the beating the community would give me for saying it. However, it wasn’t necessarily the impoverished view of humanity that bothered me, so much as the structure and length of the writings.

And to help others and be eager to share, not to be a pessimist, and never to doubt your friends' affection for you. Marcus Aurelius' life philosophy —very similar to Stoicism— is wisdom for all ages and for every generation. Focus on the things that are truly important in life, such as your relationships, your health, and your happiness.The first challenge with reviewing an ancient work such as this is to clarify WHAT is being reviewed.

He always strived to become better, acutely aware of the responsibilities that lay on him and of the people's expectations, trying to meet them all. It is the definitive text on self-discipline, personal ethics, humility, self-actualization, and strength. Marcus would have watched as Antoninus received embassies, tried legal cases and dictated letters to his deputies. Featuring a genuine leather cover, custom box, all-new interior illustrations, premium Munken cream paper, vinyl endsheets, gilded pages, sewn ribbon, and the translation and introduction by Gregory Hays.Marcus's insights and advice--on everything from living in the world to coping with adversity and interacting with others--have made the "Meditations required reading for statesmen and philosophers alike, while generations of ordinary readers have responded to the straightforward intimacy of his style. This type of view feels much more genuine from philosophers or personnages who, by their circumstances, endure hardships by living their beliefs or philosophy. The Puppet and the Sage: Images of the Self in Marcus Aurelius Oxford Studies in Ancient Philosophy 38: 187–209.