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Five Timeless Life Lessons from One of the Greatest Leaders of All Time: Marcus Aurelius
What does this Roman Emperor have to say about life?
This year marks the first time I’ve read Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations cover to cover. I’ve heard that some very successful people read it every year. I now understand why.
Marcus Aurelius is often referred to as the last of the Five Good Emperors. He ruled the Roman Empire between 161–180 AD and was greatly influenced by Stoic philosophy, which is made quite clear in Meditations — a collection of his thoughts over the years.
Meditations is a strange book to read because there is no running narrative. Sometimes his thoughts are in point-form and often one passage is disconnected from the next. Always, you’re left guessing at what he’s referring to.
What you do get, however, is to peek into the mind of one of the most powerful rulers in all of history. And what you find there is surprising. His thoughts are often self-critical, in particular when his actions failed to live up to his high moral standards.
But, more importantly, are the themes of tranquility, duty, and perseverance that traverse the massive space of time between then and now. It’s incredible to me how relevant these ancient ideas are in today’s world.
