“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love ...” - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is one of my favorite books of all-time.

The worn copy (see above picture) I bought at 16 has been with me through college in North Carolina, law school in Kansas, and back home to Austin (and all experiences of life in between).

As background, Marcus Aurelius was Roman emperor from 161 to 180. His Meditations are the compiled records of his private notes to himself and ideas on the Stoicism.

The book was my first exposure to this philosophy, which I have found approachable and practical personally and professionally (as I began my career and onward into Bingham Group).

Stoicism fundamentally (my take) is a philosophy focused on perspective and proportion.

Regarding perspective, this is erasing the view that a given situations is "good" or "bad". Instead situations simply "are" and we determine through our actions how they are received. Easier said than done, for sure, but the overall practice can remove you for the ebb and flow emotions that arise in our daily lives (Note: Not removing emotions Vulcan-style, but also not letting your emotions dictate your response to given situation.

On proportion, it was the idea of finality. That no matter how "great" we are in our time, the great equalizer is death. Put best by Marcus, “Alexander the Great and his mule driver both died and the same thing happened to both.” This was not meant suggest we not strive for great actions and deeds because "What's the point if we're all going to die?" Rather, to understand and live your life, walk your path, and so on to the fullest, because you only have one shot.

The book is never far from me, and it's always in my bag when I travel. It is a ready anchor in times of uncertainty which, for those who are running businesses, can be daily.

Definitely recommend.

LINKS:

What Is Stoicism? A Definition & 3 Stoic Exercises To Get You Started

Buy the book (Amazon)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Aurelius

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditations