How Marcus Aurelius Learnt to be Grateful

Stoic philosophy is a way of life — a practical philosophy designed for us to gain control over our thoughts.

Photo by Şafak Atalay on Unsplash

The Meditations is a series of short philosophical reflections written by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. His private meditations on the meaning of life, the value of people and the emotions went on to influence generations of people. The meditations has a lasting cultural legacy on western history and thought.

Meditations book one starts with a list of all the people Marcus Aurelius is thankful for. He wrote a gratitude list for the important people throughout his life. He mentions the people who have shaped him and moulded him as a person.

It’s interesting he chooses people to be grateful for because we must not forget Marcus is the Roman Emperor. He is the most powerful figure in the whole of the Ancient world. His empire spans from Africa to Asia. He controls huge armies and is the richest man on earth at the time. Emperor Marcus Aurelius decides the fate of nations and the lives of millions of people living under the Roman Empire. He makes incredibly difficult decisions everyday but enjoys type of power which is almost unimaginable to us today.