Curator's notes

Why it matters

Roman emperor for 19 years, during plague, war on the Danube frontier and a general's rebellion. The Meditations were private notes to himself, never meant for publication, written mostly in army camps. That is their power: the most powerful man in the world reminding himself daily not to become arrogant, angry or self-pitying.

Use in training and coaching

morning reflection practice; leadership under pressure; anger management. His notes are the original executive journal.

What to read

Meditations (Gregory Hays translation)

Core ideas

focus only on what is in your control (your judgments and actions); everything is impermanent; we are made for cooperation; obstacles become the material for virtue.

Key passages

Book 2.1 (expect difficult people today, and do not be harmed by them); Book 4.3 (retreat into yourself); Book 5.1 (getting out of bed); Book 5.20 (the obstacle becomes the way); Book 6.30 (do not be "Caesarified").

Translation

Gregory Hays (2002). Companion: Ryan Holiday, The Obstacle Is the Way, but read Marcus first.

Weak point to teach honestly

he persecuted Christians and chose his unfit son Commodus as heir. Wisdom in writing did not guarantee wisdom in succession.

Training use

morning reflection practice; leadership under pressure; anger management. His notes are the original executive journal.