Reader discussion: Meditations

Public reader discussion about Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius Changed My Life

By IslandSleepy

I’d had this book on my radar for a few years, but I finally read it, and it honestly turned into the most life-changing two weeks I’ve had. While I was going through it, my whole mindset shifted. I started trying to be more even-keeled, reminding myself that I can control my opinions and how I feel (at least more than I used to think), and basically committing to living more “the right way” each day. I’ve changed other parts of my life too, but I really feel like embracing stoicism is what’s made the biggest difference for my happiness. Even with all the uncertainty and missed opportunities the pandemic brought, I’ve never felt more content. My stress and anxiety have basically faded, and I’m not dealing with the same anxiety spikes or those repetitive OCD loops anymore. I really do hope other people can get a similar effect from it. One line from the second book that stuck with me was: “Fame after life is no better than oblivion.” Has anyone else had real growth like this from reading Meditations, the Enchiridion, or other stoic stuff?

What do guys think about the book Meditations by Marcus Aurelius ?

By river_pepper

I do want to read it, but it looks pretty long and kind of wordy/complicated. Before I jump in and commit to the whole thing, I wanted to hear what you think. Would it be a decent starting point for learning Stoicism? Is it actually easy to follow, or is it confusing? And is it worth the time?

Favourite quotes from Meditations by Marcus Aurelius?

By TinyChapter

I’m working my way through Marcus Aurelius’ *Meditations* right now, and I’m curious what everyone’s favorite quotes are. I haven’t finished it yet, but so far my favorite is from Book 2, verse 12. The part about how quickly everything disappears—what’s out there, and even the memory of it—really stuck with me. It also talks about how the “real” nature of things we sense is kind of gross and decaying, especially stuff that tries to pull us in with pleasure or scares us with pain, or gets all hyped up through pride. I don’t know, it just makes me think, like, our minds are supposed to be able to see through that stuff.

Meditations: Book 1 Discussion

By VioletHeron15

I went into Book 1 with basically no background on Marcus Aurelius, so I was wondering if your copy had more of a life intro—like the Gutenberg one does. Also, how did you find the writing style in Book 1? The whole Stoic thing about not having passion (or at least not letting it run you) feels like a big deal here… but could I actually live like that without my usual feelings? And I noticed the part about a prince being able to live humbly and not show off wealth—was that a totally different vibe from what you’re used to seeing about royalty? A couple lines stuck out too, especially: “true moderation and sobriety in either estate” and the idea that we’re all meant to work together like body parts, and being against that is “against nature.” I also liked the “life is like a wind” comparison, but I’m not sure I fully get what it’s trying to do—did you? Oh, and this last bit about “thirst after books” kind of surprised me. Are we supposed to be thankful and meek instead of getting upset and complaining? I don’t know, but it definitely made me pause.

Can I read Meditations by Marcus Aurelius?

By storm-turtle1999

I do want to read Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, but I’m kind of worried it might include some sinful stuff—like, I’m not sure what the content actually is.