Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor and philosopher who lived in the 2nd century AD. He is best known for his Stoic philosophy and his book “Meditations,” which is a collection of his personal thoughts and musings on a variety of topics. In this book, Aurelius writes about his beliefs on how to live a virtuous and fulfilling life, and his teachings continue to be relevant and inspiring to many people today. In this article, we will list 13 thought-provoking quotes from Marcus Aurelius on mind, life, and happiness. These quotes provide a glimpse into the wisdom and insights of this ancient philosopher and can serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for modern readers.
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― Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, Roman emperor from 161 to 180 AD and a Stoic Philosopher
If you’re looking to delve deeper into the teachings of Marcus Aurelius and the Stoic philosophy, one book that I highly recommend is “The Inner Citadel: The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius” by Pierre Hadot. This book provides an in-depth and insightful look into the life and philosophy of the Roman emperor and offers a unique perspective on his famous work, “Meditations.”
Hadot begins by providing background on the historical context of Marcus Aurelius and the Stoic philosophy, and then goes on to examine the various themes and ideas present in “Meditations.” He explores the concept of self-mastery and the importance of living in accordance with virtue, as well as Marcus Aurelius’s thoughts on death, happiness, and the nature of the universe. Throughout the book, Hadot provides numerous quotations from “Meditations” and other sources, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of Marcus Aurelius’s teachings in his own words.
One of the strengths of this book is Hadot’s ability to connect Marcus Aurelius’s philosophy to modern life and its relevance. He shows how Aurelius’s teachings can be applied to contemporary issues and how they can help us to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. He also emphasizes the practical aspect of Stoicism, showing how it’s a philosophy of life that can be lived not just studied.
Summarizing, “The Inner Citadel: The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius” is an excellent resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the Roman emperor’s teachings and the Stoic philosophy. Whether you’re a student of philosophy or simply curious about the history of this ancient school of thought, this book is well worth reading.
We would love to hear your thoughts on the teachings of Marcus Aurelius and the Stoic philosophy. Share your insights and impressions in the comments section below. Your perspectives will help to create a diverse and stimulating discussion, and also help others who are also interested in learning more about this fascinating philosophy. Whether you agree or disagree with Aurelius’s ideas, your comments will help to shed light on the continuing relevance of his teachings in today’s world. Don’t hesitate, leave your comment and join the conversation.