10 Insights from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations
The 2000-year-old book that is still remarkably relevant
Born to a wealthy family, Marcus Aurelius was granted the fortune of a formal education, which a young Aurelius did not waste, becoming a superb student through his dedication and intelligence.
Aurelius was well-versed in multiple studies but took a particular interest in Stoicism, a philosophical school that taught the values of accepting fate, following reason, practicing self-restraint, and more.
Aurelius’ potential was noticed by Roman Emperor, Hadrian, who would eventually adopt Aurelius as his successor. A roughly 16-year-old Marcus Aurelius was now being trained to rule the world’s largest nation.
But due to Aurelius’ inexperience, Emperor Hadrian would eventually change his successor to Antoninus Pius under the condition that Pius would adopt Aurelius and make him next in line for rule. Hadrian would die shortly after, and as Hadrian and Pius had agreed, Aurelius became the adoptee of the new emperor.
For the next 21 years, Aurelius would work in the Senate, continuously increasing his political influence and power. During this time, he married the emperor’s daughter, Faustina the Younger, and had over a dozen children with her.
