Meditations Essay

Meditations Book IV

Marcus Aurelius, a philosopher in arms, has dedicated countless nights in his encampments during his military campaigns writing his stoic reflections to guide him to being a better person. His writings were later gathered to create one of the greatest works in stoicism, The Meditations. Many successful people and leaders say that Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations” have been their favorite and influential book they have read. Names include Bill Clinton, Goethe and Wen Jiabao.  I will be looking into Book IV’s great stoic philosophies and ideas on overcoming obstacles, dealing with conflict, perception, death and how ancient stoicism can still benefit us in the modern world.

Overcome and embrace obstacles in your life. The first part of Book IV lays out the idea of what happens when a man encounters a problem. We have two options: to deny the problem and blame it on the universe or we can figure out a way to work through it and somehow alter the situation to make it better for ourselves. Instead of blaming someone else for our problems, we should simply think of it as something that must be conquered. Along with the conquering mindset, we should act with a purpose and in accordance to the principles of nature. As a result we add fuel to our own fire, we strengthen our mind, and our problem-solving skills become more refined for future complications. What if the obstacle is too overwhelming? Then avoid all the chaos and retreat to thyself. Tranquility can be found in one’s own thought: regroup and approach the situation as a rational being.  

Everything is a matter of perception. In numerous occasions, we do not perceive things properly. We may look at an officer in the military and see that they are very kind, but really they are ruthless. We may see a person that seems to be happy all the time, but really he has a lot of issues that plague him. Our perceptions give us minor material to deal with when analyzing situations. We explore the circumstances deeper in order to formulate a better approach. Perception is the trickiest aspect of life no matter what occasion it rises from. Even the most just of actions can be perceived by someone else as a wrongful act.  Marcus also delivers a challenge towards the perception of pain or harm. If you have been harmed but dismiss the fact that you have been harmed then the harm is taken away. Difficulties can only ruin your life if you let them.