Show notes
On this episode of OPO I cover the first 4 books of Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. If you'd like to read along, you can purchase my copy at this link.
Meditations
Notes:
Meditations book 1 Debts and lessons
Aurelius belabors how important private education is. This is really because roman education was essentially private anyways He spends a good time talking on the values of duty, honor and logic. Don't tell someone you're too busy unless you really are He details how he was indebted to the gods. This was really moreso him being grateful for his lot in life. To be self reliant To master your emotions.
Book 2: on the river gran, among the Quadi
Do not let yourself be distracted. What is a distraction, anger, jealousy, dishonesty etc… "Throw away your books" "despise your flesh" What should never be forgotten The nature of the world Your nature How you relate to the world What portion of it you make up That you are a part of nature and no one can stop you from acting in harmony with it Everything is just an impression -Monimus the Cynic The human soul degrades itself When overpowered by pleasure or pain When it turns its back on another or sets out to do harm To secede from the world When it wears a mask When it has an action or impulse without purpose Nothing natural is evil Description of human life: duration: momentary Nature: changeable Perception: dim Condition of body: decaying Soul: in flux Fortune: unpredictable Lasting fame: uncertain Sum: the body and its parts are a river and the soul a misty dream. Life is war and a journey far from home, lasting reputation is oblivion.
Book 3: In Carnuntum Hurry, your time is limited Everything, while it may not be appealing on its own. Is perfect since it has its specific role In the grand order. Dont waste time worrying about others unless it concerns the common good. Eliminate the random or irrelevant
How to Act: Never act out of compulsion, selfishness without thought or misgivings Dont sugarcoat Nothing unneccesary Only in death does duty end cheerfulness Stand straight, do not stand straightened
Keep your philosophy handy. It will be neccesary to explain things you encounter. "All things are linked by the chain" Stop drifting, you're not going to do something like re read an old book. Don't delude yourself. Sprint for the finish.
Book 4:
People do everything in their power to get away from it all. They are acting idiotic. They can escape the world at any time by looking inward.
Rational beings exist for one another Doing what's right takes patience Nobody does the wrong thing deliberately Those who have reap the bitter reward
You will be reduced to nothing
Your memory will eventually fade
Your existence will eventually be forgotten
There is no reason to worry, just do your best.
But do what you want for the satisfaction it gives you not the clout.
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