An Analysis Of Marcus Aurelius Meditations

Perceiving Life Differently

Three Favorite Passages from Meditations

Marcus Aurelius’ literary work, Mediations, has been seen throughout history as one of the most important literary works. It is similar to a journal, written by Aurelius during his life, about his life. Aurelius was a man who was unlike other emperors. While most other emperors disgraced themselves, he was an exception. There was no particular reason why he acted this way, and no external forces caused him to act this way. He was a man who could get whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, and yet he didn’t use his power for his own benefit. He was afraid of doing what was wrong, and intended to live a life where he wouldn’t feel guilty about anything. He never wanted the things he wrote to be published; however they have given advice to many people over the years. Aurelius lived a lonely life, because there was no one as his equal, and anyone who talked to him was looking for something. Throughout the passages in Meditations, Aurelius makes a lot of really good observations.

I really like the message Marcus sends in book two of Meditations. He is giving himself a reminder that although we will spend every day running into people who may be awful to deal with, we shouldn’t be annoyed or frustrated with them. Everyone has faults, and he wanted himself to

recognize that. Life doesn’t last forever, and you shouldn’t spend the time you have on earth criticizing others just because they sin differently than you do. Aurelius also talks about death, and how it isn’t going to hurt us. He knows that after life we have nothing to fear. Also, he wanted himself to focus on his mind, what he saw as the most important part of us. We should not be selfish, or afraid of the future. As long as you keep your mind calm and let life come as it comes, you can live a life of happiness. As long as you free your mind, you will be free.
Book three of Aurelius’ Meditations gives an important lesson of attention to detail. He says to pay attention to the little things, like the texture of different foods, or the cracks in a loaf of bread. Noticing things like the expressions of wild animals. The details that we shouldn’t pay attention to; however, are things like the gossip that others have, or our own gossip. We should only talk about things that we would not be embarrassed or guilty if the person found out. We should speak with happiness and love, and there will be happiness given in return. Aurelius believes that there is nothing better than telling the truth, and being kind to others, whether they are in your presence or not.
In book five of Meditations, Aurelius poses a question: why do we love ourselves the most, but take everyone else’s opinions into greater consideration than our own? He believes that this is a mistake, that we should not try to impress the ones around us, but instead leave the earth being humble. We should not spend our entire lives trying to show others how well we do in our everyday life, but instead live a life to bring the others around you joy, and in turn you will be joyful as well. Aurelius’ strategy of spreading happiness to gain happiness is very inspiring. Often times people forget that it is their life that matters, not what others think of them. This does not mean you can do whatever you want and act obnoxiously toward others, but instead leave a positive mark on the world. Everyone will eventually leave the earth, and it is your decision whether or not you decide to leave it with light, or with darkness.
Overall, Marcus Aurelius has many good points throughout Meditations.

He intended to live a life of no regret, only spreading positivity to others and within himself. He lived a life of temptation greater than anyone around him could ever have even imagined. Even though he faced these temptations, and had all of the tools he needed to get whatever he wanted, he didn’t let these things control his life, and was able to lead a life without regret, never being remorseful for his actions. Although he did not want these writings to be published, the literature that he produced changed the lives of many, and gives many lessons to its

readers.