Summary
Marcus Aurelius was an ancient Roman philosopher and emperor and one of the last great masters of Stoic philosophy, best known for his book Self-Reflection. His philosophy focused on self-discipline, ethics, introspection, self-control, and moral self-improvement, and he argued that the practice of philosophy was an important means of finding meaning in life. His ideas have been particularly influential in the field of spirituality and are often cited in the field of self-improvement and mindfulness.
Marcus Aurelius’ “Self-Reflections” would be a record of his own internal dialogue in the Roman Empire he ruled. He focuses on self-management, ethics, introspection, self-control, and moral self-improvement, asking himself questions and making it his own purpose to better understand himself through philosophical insights.
The Self-Reflections contain short philosophical insights on humanity, death, self-improvement, emotions, thoughts, morals, and self-control, and, based on Stoic philosophy, asserts the need for inner self-control and self-care in order to face reality and confront difficulties.
The Self-Reflections is a highly influential book for those who enjoy self-help and philosophical thinking, and is often cited in modern times, becoming a frequent reference for techniques to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as in the fields of self-help and mindfulness.
This section is based on the “NHK 100 Minutes de Meitaku Marx Aurelius Jisho Roku” (NHK 100 Minutes de Meitaku Marx Aurelius Jisho Roku).
Introduction.
Chapters of the Needleboard to be Read in These Difficult Times of Our Lives
Part 1: Look within
Guided by Fate to Become Emperor
Miraculously, the "Self-Reflections" have survived.
The Image of Aurelius Emerges from the "Self-Reflections
Live in harmony with nature
The Fountain of Goodness is Within
No. 2 Living in Harmony with "Others
The Betrayal of Cassius
Mistakes are made out of ignorance
Beyond Reality
Do not seek praise
Free from anger and sadness
Part 3 Facing "Difficulties
Courage not to give up
Not to lose oneself in sorrow and suffering
Not to be attached to "good or bad" things
Accepting our destiny
The existence of evil
Accepting fate with "free will
Believe in our ability to accept difficulties
Do not look back at the past, do not worry about the future
Part 4: Live "here and now
There is no one who does not die
Live in the Now
Live "here and now
Connection with Others
Beyond "Jishiroku
In this issue, we will give an overview of the project.
Introduction.
Marcus Aurelius’s self-reflections were written 2,000 years ago, and the author was Marcus Aurelius Antonius (hereafter abbreviated as Aurelius), the sixteenth Roman Emperor. He was one of the great rulers of the Roman Empire at its peak, and became a wise emperor who took the difficult helm at a time when the prosperity and peace that had lasted for about two hundred years were beginning to fade.
Aurelius was born into a prestigious family and was nominated as heir to the throne at the age of only 18 because of his qualities and insight. He was selected as the heir to the throne at the age of eighteen, and at the age of thirty-nine, after succeeding to the throne, he led the army to the front lines of national defense.
This book is neither a diary in which the emperor vented on the war situation and political difficulties, nor is it a discussion of his own military prowess or imperialism. However, this book is not such a book. It is a journal without any context, but rather a collection of words of self-discipline and self-discipline, as if to squeeze out one’s own thoughts and feelings, and to look into one’s inner self, It becomes a personal notebook.
Aurelius did not want the status of emperor or the pomp and circumstance of court life. What his heart desired was philosophy, to which he had been deeply devoted since his boyhood. Although his ascension to the imperial throne cut him off from the pursuit of philosophy as an academic pursuit, he took time out from his busy official duties to reflect and remind himself to put into practice what philosophy had to offer.
His twelve-volume “Memoirs of Self-Reflection” is a collection of his writings, in which he wrote down his reflections and words of self-discipline at various times. They were not written with the intention that anyone would read them or that they would be read. Although he was a Roman, this book is written in Greek, not Latin, Aurelius’ native tongue. The themes are not organized; some sentences seem to have been written, others are quoted from books, and still others make leaps in logic. Nevertheless, the reason why his writings have been handed down from generation to generation is that his sincere words have struck a chord with many people.
One of the reasons why Aurelius’ words resonate with us is that we can read them as if they were our own life-size selves.
‘You will be dead already, and yet you have two sides to your heart, and you have not been able to remain calm. The doubt that you will be harmed from without has not left you, and you cannot be kind to all people. You don’t even think that being thoughtful means doing the right thing.
No wonder you are in this mess. You are trying to do more good tomorrow than you are doing good today.”
I don’t know what he meant by “you deserve this,” but these words would be painful to hear for anyone who puts off the decision to get better as if he will live forever, even though he doesn’t know when or if his life will end. He did not consider himself to be a great person. He was aware of his imperfections and was honest about his hesitations and weaknesses. He warns us of this with strong words, while at the same time providing us with guidelines and ideals of what we should be as human beings. Aurelius shows us the process of his agony and struggle to embody these ideals and to become a good person, even though he is imperfect.
Aurelius also says the following.
If there is something you cannot accomplish, do not think that it is impossible for a human being. Rather, if it is possible and proper for man, think that you can do it.
The Stoic philosophy on which Aurelius relies is often referred to as the philosophy of perseverance. This is by no means to suggest that we give up. Rather, it is a statement that man is capable of overcoming anything.
He also states the following.
Everything is ephemeral. “All things are fleeting, both to remember and to be remembered.
Soon you will forget everything. Soon you will forget everything, and soon everything about you will be forgotten.
Fortunately for us, in posterity, this prophecy of Aurelius was not displaced and forgotten, but rather his name and words have been engraved in the memories of many, transcending time and space, and continue to illuminate their hearts and minds. It can be said that the reason for this is that universal truths are told in “living words,” that, among other things, they can be read with empathy by anyone, transcending differences in time, country, or region, and that their contents are applicable to the “now” of the moment.
The words he spins, the anguish that oozes from between the lines, and his attitude of trying to look forward to the future are scattered with hints for living in today’s world. Those who are busy with work and do not feel happy may see in Aurelius, who loved philosophy but was also busy with political affairs and struggled between ideals and reality, an overlap with themselves.
Plagued by treachery and intrigue, his words can be a source of comfort and encouragement to those who are tormented by distrust and loneliness in a competitive society. In his “Reflections,” he repeatedly calls for rejecting confrontation and living in cooperation. This could be seen as an indication that altruism, not exclusivism, is important for a growing society.
Aurelius’ words to himself, “You are-” sound as if they are directed at us, the readers. Some of the words are short and memorable, while others are difficult to grasp immediately, but there is much to be gained by reading this book, such as understanding the true meaning of happiness, the wisdom of living in harmony with others, and how to face difficulties.
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