Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations 📕

I’m happy to finally read this highly recommended book by Gregory Hays, after sitting unread on a shelf for years. It is awesome, and as relevant today as when Marcus Aurelius jotted these things down 1900 years ago as Roman Emperor.

If you only read one section, try "Book 6" (it's only 13 pages). It’s got practical advice like, “The best revenge is not to be like that”, mystical advice like “Awaken; return to yourself. Now, no longer asleep, knowing they were only dreams, clear-headed again, treat everything around you as a dream”, much to say about finding purpose according to your nature, “To move from one unselfish action to another with God in mind. Only there, delight and stillness”, and a deep appreciation of interconnectivity: “Keep reminding yourself of the way things are connected, of their relatedness. All things are implicated in one another and in sympathy with each other. This event is the consequence of some other one. Things push and pull on each other, and breathe together, and are one”.

One thing I didn’t expect is how ‘metal’ it is. There are many passages that remind you to stare death, suffering, pain, and harsh reality in the face without any bullshit: “The stench of decay. Rotting meat in a bag. Look at it clearly. If you can”.

With love, Jordan