Meditations by Marcus Aurelius - Book 6: Part 1
Details
- read event description before signing up
- register on Meetup to attend
- update RSVP if plans change
- arrive at 2.50pm, doors open 2.40pm
- read the Book before session
- review the Questions
Reading Time - 13 minutes
Prior knowledge is not required
Gregory Hays translation used in session - buy here
Meditations is one of the greatest works of spiritual and ethical reflection ever written. With a profound understanding of human behaviour, Marcus provides insights, wisdom, and practical guidance on everything from living in the world to coping with adversity to interacting with others.
Explore this timeless collection that has been consulted and admired by leaders, readers and thinkers throughout the centuries.
Questions we'll explore
1. What’s left for us to prize?
I think it’s this: to do (and not do) what we were designed for.
That’s the goal of all trades, all arts, and what each of them aims at:
that the thing they create should do what it was designed to do.
(16)
What do you make of this?
2. If anyone can refute me—show me I’m making a mistake or looking
at things from the wrong perspective—I’ll gladly change.
It’s the truth I’m after, and the truth never harmed anyone.
What harms us is to persist in self-deceit and ignorance.
(21)
What are the implications?
3. When you deal with irrational animals, with things and
circumstances, be generous and straightforward.
You are rational; they are not.
When you deal with fellow human beings, behave as one.
They share in the logos.
And invoke the gods regardless.
Don’t worry about how long you’ll go on doing this.
A single afternoon would be enough.
(23)
How do you feel about this?
4. How cruel—to forbid people to want what they think is good for them.
And yet that’s just what you won’t let them do when you get angry at their misbehavior. They’re drawn toward what they think is good for them.
—But it’s not good for them.
Then show them that.
Prove it to them.
Instead of losing your temper.
(27)
Do you agree or disagree?
5. Make sure you remain straightforward, upright, reverent, serious, unadorned, an ally of justice, pious, kind, affectionate, and doing your duty with a will.
Fight to be the person philosophy tried to make you.
Revere the gods; watch over human beings.
Our lives are short.
The only rewards of our existence here are an unstained character and unselfish acts.
(30)
How would you go about this?
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