Thinking

Marcus Aurelius (121–180 AD) was Roman Emperor from 161 until his death. He is considered one of the so-called "Five Good Emperors" and the last ruler of the Pax Romana , a period of relative peace and stability in the Roman Empire. He was not only a skilled politician and general, but also a thinker and one of the most prominent representatives of Stoicism.

Although his reign fell on difficult times, full of wars and crises, he tried to be guided by philosophical principles in public and private life. During military campaigns against the Marcomanni and other Germanic tribes on the borders of the empire, he wrote his Meditations (Latin: Meditationes ) - a collection of philosophical reflections that has survived to this day as one of the most important works of ancient ethical thought.

The Meditations consist of twelve books, probably written for himself as a kind of spiritual journal. They are not a systematic philosophical treatise, but a collection of personal reflections, maxims, and guidelines for living according to virtue and reason. Marcus Aurelius did not intend to publish them; they were rather an exercise in self-improvement and Stoic introspection.

The main ideas of the Meditations are based on stoicism, a philosophy that emphasized controlling emotions, living in harmony with nature, and accepting the inevitable events of fate. Among the most important themes of the work are:

Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic emperor and philosopher, left behind one of the most important philosophical works of antiquity – the Meditations . This highly personal collection of reflections, written during military campaigns, is the essence of the Stoic way of thinking about life, fate and moral values. The key ideas in the Meditations are based on the philosophy of Stoicism, which emphasizes the control of emotions, living in harmony with nature and accepting the inevitable events of fate.

Marcus Aurelius believed that only a virtuous life, guided by reason and morality, can bring true happiness. Stoicism defines virtue as the highest value, regardless of external circumstances. A person should strive for moral perfection and not succumb to impulses that could disturb his inner harmony. In his notes, the emperor often emphasizes that people should live in a righteous way, without succumbing to the temptations of power, wealth or physical pleasures.

One of the main beliefs of stoicism is the necessity of accepting fate. Marcus Aurelius claimed that a person should not rebel against events that are beyond their control. Instead, they should be accepted with calm and dignity, treating each situation as part of the natural order of things. This attitude allows for inner peace and independence from external circumstances.

Marcus Aurelius often reminded himself of the transience of life. The Meditations often feature the motif of memento mori – remember death. Reflection on the impermanence of existence was meant to help focus on the present and take actions consistent with moral principles. Life is short, and human successes and failures are merely momentary episodes in the grand scheme of the universe.

As an emperor, Marcus Aurelius emphasized that people are part of a larger whole and should act for the common good. Man is not a being separated from others, but an element of society that operates within a specific order. Cooperation, mutual kindness and readiness to serve others are key principles that every person should follow.

One of the most important Stoic aspirations is independence from the opinions of others. Marcus Aurelius points out that a person's value does not depend on how they are perceived by their surroundings, but on their own actions and intentions. Praise and reprimand are momentary and fleeting - they should not affect the moral choices of an individual. It is important to remain true to your principles and not seek approval at the cost of compromising with your own conscience.

Although the Meditations were written in the 2nd century AD, their message remains incredibly relevant. Modern philosophers, psychologists, and people involved in personal development often reach for the teachings of Marcus Aurelius as a guide to dealing with difficult life situations. The Stoic philosophy contained in this work can be helpful in the modern world, filled with stress, social pressure, and uncertainty.

Marcus Aurelius remains an example of a philosopher-ruler who strove to live in accordance with reason, virtue, and acceptance of fate. His Meditations are a timeless guide to the art of living well, which continues to inspire people around the world.

Although the Meditations were written in ancient times, their message remains relevant today. Marcus Aurelius’s thoughts have inspired later philosophers, from Christian thinkers to Renaissance humanists to contemporary psychologists and Stoic philosophers. This work is one of the foundations of Western ethics and is often used in the context of self-improvement and coping with life’s difficulties.

Marcus Aurelius remains a symbol of the “philosopher on the throne” – a ruler who sought to rule not according to his own ambitions but according to the principles of reason and morality. Meditations , on the other hand, remains one of the most inspiring works of Stoic philosophy, providing universal advice on life, patience and peace of mind.

We based the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius translated by Marian Reiter on the edition that appeared in Warsaw in 1937. It was published as part of the Philosophical Library of Classics founded by Henryk Struve.

The book was originally published in Lviv in 1913 as volume XX by Symposion, edited by Leopold Staff.

ABOUT THE EDITION

The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius printed on Fabriano Tiepolo cotton paper in an edition of 25 copies & set in Perpetua font cut by Eric Gill circa 1929.

Format 162.5×250, volume 164 pp. Handmade binding from a case.

Printed in a circulation of 25 copies.

The book will be shipped within 14 days of ordering.