Let facts and common sense be your guide:
1. View yourself as a part, and only a part, of nature.
2. Accept your fate without complaining. Don't waste time judging.
3. Don't be surprised that there are offensive people.
4. Accept that things change, including your body. So accept that you will die.
5. Things repeat: a life of 40 years may see as much as one of 1000 years.
6. While you're worrying about death, your mind may go. Make the best of it while it's intact.
7. Some stress is normal. You may be surprised how much you can endure, especially if you realize its for the best that you do so.
8. We weren't born to feel great, we were born to help others.
9. Why value that which can't offer you security?
That's a little of what I understood Marcus Aurelius to be advising. A sober naturalism, without the comfort of gods or the tease of enlightenment. Between Aurelius and the translator, Gregory Hays, it comes across clear enough that at time I was surprised that this ancient Roman could be speaking so intimately to me.
Although this book is the only translation that I have read on Marcus Aurelius's Mediations and do not have another example for comparison, this particular book has been a favorite and read many times. Meditations is a timeless record of Stoic philosophy, not a religion as many people have misconceived; and therefore, this philosophy has historically received acceptance, and even, embracement. With the heart of a warrior and the wisdom of a great leader, Aurelius shares how to weather the most difficult times, with grace and compassion. His advice is practical and readers will identify with him on the common problems experienced by humans, and from his wisdom, learn how to apply his suggestions to our own times. The introduction defines the Stoic Philosophy and devotes a brief section to the role that it played when the early Christian Church was formed. Similiar to the Book of Proverbs style, it is possible to read one item every day for reflection. This book is small enough to easily carry, and yet, the content is worth every penny of the book cost.
