The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius is one of those exceedingly rare books that has profoundly changed my outlook on life.
At the moment, I am part-way through Book 9. Though some of his philosophy pertaining to the Universe goes right over my head, I am pleased to report that I have drawn much comfort from those chapters of his books that discuss good conduct and death.
In essence, Marcus says that life, so short as it is, is an opportunity "to clear away your clouds". The things of man - length of life, perception, body, mind, fortune, fame - do not last. But philosophy can escort us on our way. Fortunately, the virtues are both wholly in our own power and in fact natural to man. So Marcus urges, "[w]hile you live, while you can, become good." "And do not let it matter to you for how long you will be alive in this work: even three hours spent thus are sufficient."
Of death, Marcus says, it is nothing more than a function of nature that benefits her. That is nothing to be frightened of.
More to come.
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