When it comes to this year’s objective of reading 15 books, I’m almost there.
The last book I read was “Meditations”, originally written by Marcus Aurelius between 170 and 180 AD. Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus was Emperor of the Roman Empire from 161 to his death in 180.
His “Meditations” was written for personal consolation and to make sense of himself and the universe. By now, it has become one of the greatest works, which has been consulted by statesmen, thinkers and readers through the past centuries.
“It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinion than our own.”
The book is actually a collection of 12 books that chronicle different periods of Marcus his life. His meditations are based on a Stoic perspective and comprise his most important beliefs and principles. Amongst others, the following themes revolve in “Meditations”:
- Peace of mind
- Self-discipline
- Life and death
“Meditations” is a book to read slowly, which needs to sink in, and for me a book to read again in the future.
Usually, I would share with you what I most appreciate about the book and, what my suggestion is. This time I’ll share some quotes and interpretations on the 3 themes and let you assess the richness of this:
- Peace of mind
Marcus suggests that we concentrate on ourselves to find peace of mind:
“It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinion than our own.”
“You have power over our mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
To me, these quotes hit home because in our current social media circles, it is easy to become dependent on the number of likes for our posts. In particular, if we let these numbers determine how successful we are.
- Self-discipline
“If it is not right, do not do it. If it is not true, do not say it”
Marcus asserts that self-discipline helps us to take control of our judgements, desires and perceptions, thus making us immune for suffering. He reflects in the following manner:
“Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize?”
- Life and death
“Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now take what’s left and live it properly…”
By embracing his mortality, Marcus shifts gears to focus on what can be influenced; living a meaningful life, for himself, for others and nature. (By nature, the Stoic mean the highest form of human nature: reason “logos”). Marcus his only fear is to abdicate his personal moral responsibility, which he values above all else.
What is my take-away?
I’m still reflecting on the themes of this book and how timeless these are. This is the type of book that will sink in, days or weeks after your finished it. The more you think about it, the more it appeals to you.
In today’s rapidly changing environment and increasingly complex world, I believe the power of these aspects have not only sustained, they have even expanded. The depth of his reflections, his mindset and his purpose to serve the greater good ( attaining moral perfectionism), make Marcus for me a true leader and this book an inspiring classic.
When it comes to this year’s objective of reading 15 books, I’m almost there.
The last book I read was “Meditations”, originally written by Marcus Aurelius between 170 and 180 AD. Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus was Emperor of the Roman Empire from 161 to his death in 180.
His “Meditations” was written for personal consolation and to make sense of himself and the universe. By now, it has become one of the greatest works, which has been consulted by statesmen, thinkers and readers through the past centuries.
“It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinion than our own.”
The book is actually a collection of 12 books that chronicle different periods of Marcus his life. His meditations are based on a Stoic perspective and comprise his most important beliefs and principles. Amongst others, the following themes revolve in “Meditations”:
- Peace of mind
- Self-discipline
- Life and death
“Meditations” is a book to read slowly, which needs to sink in, and for me a book to read again in the future.
Usually, I would share with you what I most appreciate about the book and, what my suggestion is. This time I’ll share some quotes and interpretations on the 3 themes and let you assess the richness of this:
- Peace of mind
Marcus suggests that we concentrate on ourselves to find peace of mind:
“It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinion than our own.”
“You have power over our mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
To me, these quotes hit home because in our current social media circles, it is easy to become dependent on the number of likes for our posts. In particular, if we let these numbers determine how successful we are.
- Self-discipline
“If it is not right, do not do it. If it is not true, do not say it”
Marcus asserts that self-discipline helps us to take control of our judgements, desires and perceptions, thus making us immune for suffering. He reflects in the following manner:
“Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize?”
- Life and death
“Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now take what’s left and live it properly…”
By embracing his mortality, Marcus shifts gears to focus on what can be influenced; living a meaningful life, for himself, for others and nature. (By nature, the Stoic mean the highest form of human nature: reason “logos”). Marcus his only fear is to abdicate his personal moral responsibility, which he values above all else.
What is my take-away?
I’m still reflecting on the themes of this book and how timeless these are. This is the type of book that will sink in, days or weeks after your finished it. The more you think about it, the more it appeals to you.
In today’s rapidly changing environment and increasingly complex world, I believe the power of these aspects have not only sustained, they have even expanded. The depth of his reflections, his mindset and his purpose to serve the greater good ( attaining moral perfectionism), make Marcus for me a true leader and this book an inspiring classic.
