Meditations
by Marcus Aurelius
The private notebook of a Roman emperor, never meant for publication, in which he reminds himself to be patient, to do his duty, to expect difficult people and to remember that he will die. It is repetitive because he was practicing, and it is the most honest leadership document ever written. Translation matters; a modern one reads easily.
Read it if…
you want the original Stoic text and are willing to read it slowly, a few entries at a time.
Skip it if…
you want narrative or structure; it is fragments, and it circles.
Three things you will actually use
- Begin the day expecting difficulty from others; be unsurprised.
- Focus on what is in your control.
- Remember your time is short; act accordingly.
Do this first
Read Book 2's opening entry before work tomorrow and carry it through the day.
Our verdict
The essential text; a lifetime companion for a few dollars.
Compare with other Gratitude books
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A thoughtful sequel; secondary to the original, worthwhile for its readers.
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The Untethered Soul
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Clear, gentle and profound for the right reader; the practice is the book.
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How to Stop Worrying and Start Living
Dale Carnegie · Gratitude
A practical, underrated classic; still works.
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