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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
I am still thinking through this one and reviewing my notes. Knowing that Epictetus, a former slave, also had a lot to say on similar themes, I struggled a bit as I was constantly reminded that this was the journal of an emperor which we have turned into self-help today. This is not to say that Aurelius did not have his share of adversity to overcome, but the platform of privilege on which all of his thoughts were propped upon warped my sense of what he was getting at sometimes. My awareness of that caused me to challenge some of his thoughts, but there are many ideas and explanations in this work that I am still meditating on constantly.
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
reflective
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
In Meditations, Marcus Aurelius struggles to reconcile his ideals and his fears. The only person he is trying to convince is himself which adds a uniquely earnest and vulnerable tone to the convictions he is exploring. While I dont agree with everything in the moral framework illustrated here - there are some tensions Aurelius never resolves - I find most of it a relatable and inspiring blend of rationalism, existentialism, and idealism.
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
TL;DR: bądź sprawiedliwy i rozumny; twoje istnienie na świecie jest efemeryczne; rozkosz nie jest dobra ani pożyteczna; nie dziw się niczemu, bo inaczej jesteś śmieszny; wszystko jest takie jakie zostało stworzone, złe czy dobre; nie oceniaj niczego; twoją naturą jest czynienie wszystkiego dla dobra społeczeństwa, bo jesteś częścią społeczeństwa i z tego będziesz miał szczęście
nie ma za co
nie ma za co
No matter how much we think humanity changes throughout the ages, the criteria for being a genuine and sincere person has always been the same. Humans instinctively hate pretentiousness
Everyone should be like Marcus in reminding themselves that life is unimaginably short and that we should not waste a moment of it
His philosophy was sound, but his theology was impure and false.
Skipped the Notes
Everyone should be like Marcus in reminding themselves that life is unimaginably short and that we should not waste a moment of it
His philosophy was sound, but his theology was impure and false.
Skipped the Notes
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
A truly remarkable insight into the mind of one of the most powerful statesmen in history. The book paints a somewhat sad and tormented picture of a noble spirit who, due to his position, would have access to all the luxuries and debaucheries imaginable, but denies them in an attempt to overcome his human weaknesses through continuous self-improvement, and to lead a good life through a strict adherence to the stoic doctrine. While I found myself pitying the author for his self-chastisement for feeling human emotions, I also could not help admiring his commitment to his ideals, and his pledge to use his power to serve the common good to the best of his abilities. I only wish that the clowns running the world right now had even an ounce of the dignity and humility of Marcus Aurelius.
"Let the god that is within you be the champion of the being you are." (3.5)
"Let the god that is within you be the champion of the being you are." (3.5)
challenging
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced