Excellent Quotes from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations#
Context#
While on a military campaign which started in 170 and ended in 180, Marcus Aurelius[1] wrote his Meditations in Greek for his own guidance and self-development. The original title of the work, if it had one, is unknown. ‘Meditations’ – as well as other titles including ‘To Himself’ – were adopted later. He had a logical mind, and his notes were representative of Stoic philosophy and spirituality.
Stars and the Beauty of Life#
Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.
Watch the stars in their courses as one that runs about with them therein; and think constantly upon the reciprocal changes of the elements, for thoughts on these things cleanse away the mire of our earthly life.
Look round at the courses of the stars, as if thou wert going along with them; and constantly consider the changes of the elements into one another; for such thoughts purge away the filth of the terrene life.