Written in Greek by the first Roman emperor who was also a great philosopher, without any thoughts of publication, the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius present an exceptional series of challenging spiritual reflections and activities that improved as the emperor attempted to understand himself and make sense of the universe. While the Meditations were made to give individual consolation and encouragement, Marcus Aurelius created one of the best of all the works of philosophy, a timeless collection that has been counseled and respected by statesmen, thinkers, and most readers throughout the centuries.
Marcus Aurelius (born April 26, AD 121, Rome-died March 17, 180). He was born into a wealthy and prominent family. Hadrian arranged for Marcus and Lucius Verus to be adopted by the designated future emperor, Antoninus Pius, who dutifully groomed Marcus as his heir. On his accession, Marcus nevertheless shared power with his adoptive brother as co-emperor, though he himself remained the more dominant. Though a man of gentle character and broad intelligence, Marcus opposed Christianity and supported the persecution of its adherents. His Meditations on Stoicism, considered one of the great books of all time, gives a full picture of his religious and moral values. His reign is often thought to mark the Golden Age of Rome.
