The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius (Aziloth Books)

by Marcus Aurelius

Overview

Marcus Aurelius was Emperor of Rome from 161 - 180 AD. His rule was absolute and - as the lives of other Emperors reveal only too clearly - he was able, with impunity, to indulge in any vice, crime or licentious behaviour he chose. Yet Marcus Aurelius resisted all such temptations, thanks to his belief in stoic philosophy. In The Meditations, (which was never intended for public view), Aurelius examines his inner nature, intimately describing his flaws and talents, and admonishing himself to live a good life. It is astonishing that this book exists - filled with great wisdom, and written by a Roman Emperor who reaches out over almost 2000 years to speak with us about the mysteries of life and death.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781907523502
Publisher:	Aziloth Books
Publication date:	02/14/2011
Pages:	126
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 7.70(h) x 0.50(d)

Read an Excerpt

BOOK VI. BOOK VI. jjS the substance of the universe is pliable and obedient, so that sovereign reason which gives lavs to it has neither motive nor inclination to bring an evil upon anything. It has no evil in its nature, nor does evil, but forms and governs all things, and hurts nothing. ' 2. Do but your duty, and do not trouble yourself, whether it is in the cold, or by a good fire, whether you are overwatched, or satisfied with sleep, whether you have a good word or a bad one, whether you are dying, or doing anything else, for this last must be done at one time or other. It is part of the business of life to leave it, and here too it suflices to manage the present well 3. Look thoroughly into matters, and let not the peculiar quality or intrinsic value of anything escape you. 4. The present appearance of things will quickly undergo a change, and be either exhaled into common matter or dispersed. 5. That intelligent Being that governs the universe has perfect views of His own nature and acts, and of the matter on which He acts. 6. The best way of revenge is not to imitate the injury. 7. Be always doing something serviceable to mankind, and let this constant generosity be your only pleasure, not forgetting in the meantime a due regard to the Deity. 8. The governing part of the mind arouses and alters itself; gives what air it pleases to its own likeness, and to all the accidents and circumstances without. 9. The particular effects in the world are all wrought by one intelligent nature. This universal cause has no foreign assistant, no interloping principle, either without or within it. 10. The world is either a medley of atoms th"at now intermingle and now are scattered apart, orelse it is a unity under the laws of order and providence. If the fi...