“Meditation” by Marcus Aurelius is a book covering the Roman emperor’s struggle to understand himself and the things surrounding himself. 

Written in fragmented thoughts, somewhat like TAO TE CHING, Marcus Aurelius follows a stoic take on life, sharing the importance of logic over emotion. Aurelius highlights multiple key topics: death and the shortness of life, the importance of being rational, accepting others shortcomings and faults, avoiding desire for pleasure and fame, and accepting the course of nature. 

Many of Aurelius’s thoughts connect through the themes and encourage trust in your own personal will. With the common beliefs in stoicism of the time, Marcus Aurelius’s writings encourage the endurance of life and the comfort within discomfort. 

Shining light on individual will, Aurelius states, “You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength”. 

Meditations is a great read if you are interested in mindfulness, particularly with using your thoughts to bring clarity to your mind.