6 Profound Ideas from the book "Meditations" Written by a Roman Emperor 1800 Years Ago

I recently finished reading "Meditations" written by a Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius around 1800 years ago.

My grade of the book: B (using American grading system) - recommended!

The book had a lot of repeating ideas and some that I didn't understand, all given without an order due to it being a diary. Nonetheless, some of them I found really profound and those make the book worth checking out. I've read this book in Russian since the original is in ancient Greek, thus the quotes are a rough translation of how I understood the main message. The book uses more beautiful language at times.

Ideas that I liked:

Big idea #1: Doing the right thing is hard, but once you begin on the path you will understand how utterly satisfying it is

If you feel your genius, and see that there is nothing better than it, avoid everything of the second sort as it will only distract you.

The body is indifferent. The soul cares about its action, but only about present action, not past or future.

You will stop your worry when you realise that following your nature is more pleasant than indulging in all the temptations. 

Big idea #2: Control and apply discipline to wasteful thinking and action

When someone asks you "what are you thinking about?", you should always be able to answer.

Don't do anything that isn't necessary. These are the rules of the strict art.

Most of what we say and do is wasteful. Avoiding such waste could allow us to worry less and have more free time. Pay attention not only to your actions but also beliefs. Always ask yourself, "Is this necessary?"

Firstly, don't do anything without a goal. Secondly, your only goal is the common good.

Big idea #3: Judgements and expectations are the main cause of misery

World is a change, life is a judgement.

Cut off the judgement, you will also cut off the cause of your concern. 

Consequences of anger and bitterness are more severe than what caused them.

Gods don't make mistakes and people are making them without having a free will, thus don't judge anyone.

Control your judgement and you will find peace.

Big idea #4: Forgive and try to understand others

Remember that both you and your enemy will die. And soon thereafter your names will be forgotten.

The best way to defend against offence is not to become like the offender.

When we are doing gymnastics and someone hits us, we don't get offended. Let this be the case in life too, consider that others are just practicing in the arena of life like you are. It is possible to avoid collisions without suspicion or hatred.

If someone attacks you, analyse based on which beliefs about good and evil he acted. Once you clarify that, you will not pity him, be surprised or angry. If your beliefs are the same, you should forgive him, and if they are different, then it's best to stay benevolent towards someone who is honestly mistaken.

If you are trying to avoid someone's viciousness, which is impossible, start with your own, which is.

If someone blames or hates you, look into their soul and you will realise that you shouldn't worry about their opinion.

If you are angry about someone's mistake, look into yourself and find what similar sin you have yourself. Realise that the person doesn't have a choice and let go of anger.

Always think about the reasons behind the actions of people. Start with yourself.

Big idea #5: You can control the way you react to what happens

Be like a rock: waves crush upon it, yet the rock stands still, and the water gets calmer around it.

Does anything that happens truly prevent you from being just, kind, careful in judgement, truthful, humble, open? Whenever something that makes you sad happens, think: "Not the event is unhappiness but the ability to handle it is happiness."

Big idea #6: The world is interconnected, good, just, malleable

There is not only order in the world, but also justice. Thus, continue observing the world and do your best to become Good in the true meaning of the word.

Think more frequently about the connection between everything, its interconnectedness. This interconnectedness can be explained by the unity of the Being.

Nature is good. Nothing happens too early or too soon. Everything starts from nature and comes back to nature.

Everything is made out of Nature's wax. Nothing dies, it just changes its form. Everything exists only briefly but the underlying substance is always the same. 

Whatever happens to you has been predetermined by the interconnectedness of reasons.

How laughable and uneducated is he who is surprised about anything that happens in life.

Other ideas

With death, we all lose the same: present, since no one has "past" or "future" - only present. Thus, the length of life doesn't matter.

Beauty is self-sufficient, it doesn't need praise.

Honest person doesn't claim his honesty.

A person who did something good doesn't shout about it, he just goes on with another good deed.

If you judge what doesn't depend on you as good or evil, you will go through your life dependent on the gods and hating other people.

Don't shy away from asking for help. There are things you can't do alone.

Often injustice is not seen in action but in inaction.

===

Thanks for sticking till the end! I publish book reviews every Wednesday so feel free to follow. If you are curious about what I do in my job as a startup CEO, check out our website https://panda-training.com/ We provide a micro-coaching service with certified coaches that allows companies to drive strategic initiatives and gather data from “the shop floor”.