Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius

by Marcus Aurelius, Emperor of Rome

Project Gutenberg Release

Project Gutenberg ID

6920

Reading Ease

Reading ease score: 59.9 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.

Rights: Public domain in the USA.

Summary

"Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius" by Emperor Marcus Aurelius is a philosophical work composed in the 2nd century AD. This collection of reflections offers insights on Stoicism, focusing on self-examination, virtue, and the acceptance of life's challenges. Aurelius emphasizes the importance of rationality, compassion, and living in harmony with nature, portraying a profound understanding of human existence and morality. At the start of the work, the author introduces his thoughts and acknowledgments to his family, teachers, and influences in life, establishing a foundation for his philosophy. He highlights the essential values learned from his upbringing, such as modesty, dedication to self-improvement, and the significance of living a life aligned with reason. Aurelius emphasizes the fleeting nature of existence and encourages readers to recognize the interconnectedness of humanity, urging them to respond to life's hurdles with equanimity rather than anger. This opening portion sets the tone for a deeply reflective dialogue on ethics and personal growth, inviting readers to contemplate their own vidas. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Description

There is an improved edition of this title, eBook #15877

Metadata

bookshelf

Category: Philosophy & Ethics
Category: Classics of Literature

language_code

en

locc_code

B

subject

Ethics
Marcus Aurelius, Emperor of Rome, 121-180
Life
Stoics