Meditations - Marcus Aurelius
What Does It Mean to Be Stoic?
To be stoic is to adopt a mindset of emotional resilience, self-control, and rational thinking. This can be particularly challenging in today’s world, as we are constantly distracted and pulled away from our journey. However, I believe that striving to live a stoic life is one of the most important pursuits. In your early career, you can learn from your mistakes and work towards becoming your best self.
Marcus Aurelius was the Emperor of Rome between 161 AD and 180 AD. The most powerful man in the world at the time, he faced many of his own trials and tribulations. Meditations was his personal diary, never intended to be read by anyone. Yet, his writings have become some of the most profound ever recorded. Ryan Holiday, author of the bestselling book The Daily Stoic, has even stated that reviewing Meditations on his YouTube channel would end the series because it already contains everything one needs to live a stoic life.
When I read Meditations, I took numbered notes as I went along, that I found particularly meaningful. I believe reading this book once isn’t enough; it is definitely something I will return to again.
Below, I will outline some key lessons paraphrased from Meditations.
How Stoicism Can Help Your Work Life
Try only to think of meaningful things: Do not waste time on trivial matters. This is particularly important if you are an entrepreneur trying to get your business off the ground—focusing on unimportant details will prevent you from developing your idea.
Don’t fear saying no. This is one of the most important lessons I learned from Meditations. If you don’t know the answer to a question, the best thing you can do is learn. Ask for help or admit that you don’t know how to complete a task—it’s better than pretending.
No action should be taken without a clear aim. When working on a project, you must understand its objective. If you don’t, you won’t know when you’ve succeeded.
Anything that is possible is thus achievable. This is crucial for entrepreneurs—it reinforces the idea that if something can be created, then it can be achieved. The only thing left is to put in the work.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many people fear looking foolish when they ask for help, but in reality, most people have been in your position before and would be happy to see you grow. (This is similar to point 2, there is no need to be afraid. What’s the worst that can happen?)
Let nothing stand in your way. We should all push forward to achieve our goals. If something is on your mind, take action. Trial and error, combined with persistence, will get you where you need to be.
How Stoicism Can Help Your Home Life
While you live, strive to be good. Becoming your best self is a continuous process. Working towards self-improvement every day will help you achieve what you set out to do.
Accept humbly and let go easily. This is particularly important for anyone going through a tough time—whether losing a friend, a relationship, or simply growing apart from someone. Life moves on, and learning to let go is the first step towards becoming a better person.
Everything is forgotten, so forget too. In 150 years, it’s unlikely that anyone will remember me, just as most people from today will also fade from memory. If someone wrongs you or you make a mistake, it will be forgotten in time. Accepting this can be difficult because some moments leave lasting impressions, but embracing this perspective can bring peace.
How Stoicism Can Help Our Lives in General
"If it’s not right, don’t do it. If it’s not true, don’t say it."
If we all lived by this principle, I believe we would be happier and able to live our lives to the fullest.
Trying to Be Stoic in 2025
It can be difficult to stay stoic in today’s world, where people are constantly subjected to external opinions and provoked into reactions—whether online or in person. The key is to focus on living a life of honesty and integrity, staying true to your morals, and doing your best each day.
I would recommend this book to anyone. The ideas Marcus Aurelius expressed nearly 2,000 years ago are still relevant today.
Quote of the Book
"Let no act be done without a purpose, nor otherwise than according to the perfect principles of art."
It is important that every action has intention and rational thought behind it.