Book Review: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

I’ve read Meditations more than once — and every time, it humbles me.

This isn’t some motivational book. It’s Marcus Aurelius, emperor of Rome, writing to himself in private — battling ego, anger, laziness, fear. Sound familiar?

It hit me because he wasn’t trying to sound smart — he was trying to stay disciplined. Trying to live by virtue in a chaotic world. Just like us.

Here are 3 takeaways:

1. You control your response. Always.

“You have power over your mind — not outside events.”

Every time I react emotionally, I’ve forgotten this. The real fight is internal.

2. Discipline is the path. Period.

“Just that you do the right thing. The rest doesn’t matter.”

This has helped me shut out overthinking. Just do what must be done.

3. Memento Mori — Remember death.

“You could leave life right now.”

It’s not morbid. It’s fuel. It reminds me to stop wasting time and start living with fire.

If you haven’t read Meditations, grab a copy. Keep it close. Read a page a day.

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