Meditations

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Meditations (Τὰ εἰς ἑαυτόν, Ta eis heauton, literally "thoughts/writings addressed to himself") is a series of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor 161–180 CE, setting forth his ideas on Stoic philosophy.

The books were written by Aurelius mostly during his military campaigns during 170-180 CE as a series of self help books and as philosophical memoirs. The central themes of the books are that developing a big picture perspective, considering one's role in a community instead of acting as an individual, and being as morally and ethical good to attain a more content state of mind are key to being a better person.

Tropes used in Meditations include:

• Above Good and Evil: A conscious goal, but not in the usual sense. Rather, an ideal person will come to understand their role in the greater logic of reality, and thus not be fraught with such concerns, and will instead know how to best apply themselves to the betterment of themselves and those around them.
• Contemplate Our Navels: Encouraged in the books as a means understanding what role best suits oneself in the larger context of reality.
• Neutral Good: A goal invoked in the text is to not be a pawn to emotion nor tethered by law to the point either cause conflict, but to seek a serene medium between the two so as to best be a better person without inner turmoil, yet still conscious of how to better be a benevolent influence to others.
• The Stoic: The ideal to strive for.