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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