I have started to tackle Meditations. I usually don’t read this book, but I thought I would try it. I take notes as I go and write down what comes to mind as I read each part, even if my interpretation is completely off.
Introduction
His real name is Marcus Annius Verus.- Born in A.D. 121.- “Meditations” was not intended to be published, and Marcus was writing to himself.- Marcus does not mention Stoicism.
Book 1 Debt and Lessons
- Marcus shows gratitude for the various people in his life.
Book 2 on the River Gran, Among the Quad
- People can be cruel, ungrateful, and arrogant, but this does not affect me.
- Stop being persuaded by impulses. Your mind and body and simple and don’t need extravagance.
- Nature will always change to do what is best for nature. You are part of nature and trust the change.
- You have limited time in this world. Don’t spend it procrastinating on things of importance.
- Focus on things as if it was the last thing you would do in life.
- You have one life, and it’s almost over.
- Take the time to learn things for yourself and less for others.
- Listen to your heart, and find your happiness.
- No one can prevent you from being in harmony with nature.
- Sinning out of desire is worse than doing so out of anger. Passion comes from within, and anger is caused by something external.
- Death happens to both good and bad people; therefore, how could it be a bad thing? How could death be a punishment for people who have been good all their lives?
- Objects are temporary and meaningless.
- People deserve our affection because they are like us, people.
- You cannot lose the future or the past, only the present.
- “Everything is just an impression” - Monimus the Cynic.
- The soul degrades when it becomes upset with things; you turn your back on another when you experience too much pleasure or pain, act falsely, and act without purpose.
- Be true to yourself without depending on others. You can’t control nature, perception, the nature of the body, and the soul.
