Introduction
The Meditations is a philosophical book comprised of Emperor Marcus Aurelius’ journaling on the essence of using Stoic philosophy in governing the country. The book is structured into twelve chapters, each devoted to analyzing different stages and aspects of his life. The book’s overall purpose is to articulate the Stoic ideas as they relate to wise governing, where a person is a king who acknowledges their natural origin and human biases while eliminating them to make reasonable judgments.
Book I
In the first book, the author focuses on gratitude, specifically acknowledging each person who played a significant role in his life, shaping his character and worldview. Each contributing and thanked party is numbered and provides a significant part of the text. Indeed, Aurelius (1887) thanks his father for becoming modest and manly and his mother for her teachings on being kind and generous. Similarly, the author acknowledges his governor’s lessons on the endurance of difficulties and other philosophers, friends, and peers who shaped his perspective on himself, the righteous life, and the rules of governing a state.
Book II
The second book is devoted to reflections on good and evil in the manner one should treat others, which, like the whole book, is presented as a dialogue with oneself, where the author gives reasonable advice to himself. In this book, he argues that all people, including bad and good individuals, share the exact nature, which should be used as a basis for their agreement and mutual understanding (Aurelius, 1887). Furthermore, the author states that everything depends on nature and divine providence, which predetermines all events. However, one should live by humanity, justice, and freedom concerning one’s interests, which will bring positive outcomes.
Book III
The third book covers the issues of aging and losing a grip on one’s mind over the world. In this regard, Aurelius (1887) emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the analysis of the world and its beauty reflected in the manifestations of nature as divine perfection. It is essential to appreciate the little things surrounding a person in their beauty while they can, since human life is limited by illness and death. The author reminds himself of his old age and the importance of focusing on the virtuous things in life without wasting time on negative issues. Moreover, the philosopher argues that for a person to live a whole life, they should devote their thoughts to shared interests and not intrude on other people’s lives.
Book IV
Book four covers the essence of one’s soul as the inner world where one might find solitude, reflection, and deep analysis. Aurelius (1887) advises people not to become upset with other people by explaining their wrongdoings, stating that all individuals exist for mutual benefit and that their interactions lead to some intended natural processes. The rightness of beliefs and the strengths of one’s character should be solid to ensure one’s life cannot be destroyed.
Book V
This book underlines the importance of serving one’s purpose in life through action. The author articulates the motivation for rising every morning and struggling with laziness and the wishes for rest by adhering to nature’s examples of creatures’ business in their work, which justifies their existence (Aurelius, 1887). Furthermore, the philosopher emphasizes the importance of developing one’s virtues, committing favors without expecting anything in return, and accepting all events as those destined for every person.
Book VI
In the next book, the philosopher claims that logical thinking rules human existence, so it is essential to use rationality and make the right choices in every life situation. In such a manner, a positive and righteous experience is built, which ultimately leads the mind to act sustainably (Aurelius, 1887). It is essential to contemplate the world logically, without attachment, and without worrying about outcomes. Whether the universe is ordered or chaotic, it will make things happen beyond human desire.
Book VII
The central theme in the seventh book is the importance of performing tasks diligently while being led not by one’s accomplishment but by the community’s benefits. Indeed, Aurelius (1887) claims that if one cannot do something perfectly, one should ask for help without shame since achieving the desired result is essential. Transformation and change are inevitable processes comprising natural events and the world’s existence, where a human being is created as a part of the whole.
Book VIII
In this section, the philosopher argues that all actions should be validated by their ultimate purpose for humanity and the positive effect from the perspective of the shortness of life. Aurelius (1877) emphasizes that the universe rules everything, so people should not be anxious about things’ governance. Instead, one should continuously pursue living the life of a good person.
Book IX
People should help each other without seeking pleasure, deception, or committing wrongdoings. It is essential to be patient with people and accept the natural way of life by analyzing it (Aurelius, 1887). It is important to remember that if something bad exists, there is a good thing that balances it in the universe. In essence, all in the world should be justified in light of its use or usefulness for society.
Book X
The tenth book introduces philosophical accounts of the endurance of negative things in life by focusing on their purpose instead of seeking to avoid pain and suffering. It is essential to have a sound mind and cultivate reason and logical thinking, which should always guide decision-making, whether independently or via asking for advice (Aurelius, 1887). Everything evolves by the law of nature, so it is not right to avoid it by escaping fear, pain, and other negative things in life.
Book XI
This book focuses on understanding the world by examining its parts. Aurelius (1887) claims that one can only avoid experiencing suffering and fear by examining the world. The greatness of the mind should be celebrated via contemplation of nature and making conclusions in order to live a good human life. Justice emerges from the ability to think independently and interpret other people honestly.
Book XII
The last section of this philosophical book discusses the importance of focusing on the present. Aurelius (1887) claims that worrying about the past is pointless; the future is in the hands of providence, while the present should be tackled with piety and justice. Life is about choosing to see the world as God’s and nature’s creation, where each person serves their noble purpose by living virtuously.
Conclusion
Thus, Marcus Aurelius’s The Meditations is an ancient document containing philosophical arguments of stoicism as applied to the field of state governance and decision-making. The book contains numerous pieces of advice given by the emperor to himself on how to foster purposeful living. It allows one to guide oneself toward accomplishing social good via contemplation of the world and understanding one’s place in it.
Reference
Aurelius, M. (1887). The meditations. (J. Collier, Ed.). Walter Scott.