The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius wrote these meditations in the form of a personal journal during his campaigns against the barbarians in the second century. In them, he reflects with great beauty and simplicity upon the Stoic virtues that lead to a happy life- self-mastery, moral strength, duty to oneself and others, detachment, and acceptance of the will of God and the way of Nature. Classic teachings on the art of living by the great Roman emperor, statesman, and general. The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius originally wrote the meditations collected here in the form of a personal journal during his military campaigns in the second century. In them, he reflects with great beauty and simplicity upon the Stoic virtues that lead to a happy life- self-mastery, moral strength, duty to oneself and others, detachment, and acceptance of the divine order and the way of Nature. His words of wisdom and courage continue to inspire all who struggle to live a meaningful and productive life in a troubled age. This book is part of the Shambhala Pocket Library series. The Shambhala Pocket Library is a collection of short, portable teachings from notable figures across religious traditions and classic texts.The covers in this series are rendered by Colorado artist Robert Spellman.The books in this collection distill the wisdom and heart of the work Shambhala Publications has published over 50 years into a compactformat that is collectible, reader-friendly, andapplicable to everyday life.