“Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius is fascinating from a historical context, and a very resonant and thoughtful read overall

I've been making it a point to read more nonfiction in 2026, and especially Philosophy texts. Meditations is almost always recommended as one of the best introductions to philosophical narratives, as well as a great example of it overall. So that's what I started my journey with.

I can see why this book is so widely revered across so many demographics of readers. Not only is it a fascinating historical document into a singular mind, it's compelling as a work of philosophy in and of itself.

From a historical standpoint, it's pretty crazy that you're reading the most intimate thoughts and musings of a man from 2 thousand years ago, who at one point was one of the most powerful human beings in the world. But like any one of us, he had his insecurities, anxieties and contemplated his existence and his place in the world.

That's where the philosophical aspect comes in, and this I was very pleasantly surprised by. For something written 2 millennia ago, most of it still feels very resonant and applicable to contemporary times. I understand that Meditations is one of the foundational texts for the school of Stoicism, which is something I've always found fascinating (albeit not something I've really practiced in any meaningful capacity).

I actually found Aurelius' musings to be very comforting, and a balm to the soul, especially in the context of some stressful personal times I've been going through. A lot of the passages genuinely made me stop and think about myself and my own approach to life, the things that cause me stress and anxiety, and how meaningful they actually are. It's rare that a book actually makes me reconsider my own self in a different context, so kudos to my homie Marcus. There's so many times where it feels like you're being provided lived-in wisdom from a friend who means well.

I do love the fact that these were just musings that Aurelius had on a daily basis – it's not a self-help book full of fluff meant to sell copies. I think that's why it actually works pretty well as a self-help book because you can actually see this man, who had all the power, wealth and fame in the world, still question himself and the world around him, and work through the labyrinth of his mind through his journaling.

There are a ton of passages and entries that I found insightful, resonant and often profound. Here are some of my favourites:

"Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now take what's left and live it properly."

"The things you think about determine the quality of your mind. Your soul takes on the colour of your thoughts."

"Because most of what we say and do is not essential. If you eliminate it, you'll have more time, and more tranquility. Ask yourself at every moment – is this necessary?"

"The best revenge is not to be like that."

"When you start to lose your temper, remember: There’s nothing manly about rage. It’s courtesy and kindness that define a human being-and a man."

"Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one."

"Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present."

"The knowledge that there is nothing nature loves more than to alter what exists and make new things like it. All that exists is the seed of what will emerge from it."

"'It's unfortunate that this happened' – no, it's fortunate that this happened and I've remained unharmed by it…the thing itself was no misfortune at all; to endure it and prevail is good fortune."

"You don't love yourself enough. Or you'd love your nature too, and what it demands of you. People who love what they do wear themselves down doing it."

Highly recommend this for anyone looking to venture into philosophy, looking for a cool historical document or even just trying to make sense of being human in an indifferent world.