My Summary of The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius | (22 Stoic Principles)

This is my own summary of Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. I’ve taken nearly every point he made, reordered and then summarised them. If you're new to the book this provides a good idea of what he says in a much shorter, easier to understand form. I've done my best not to add anything myself except for where I'm explaining his point.

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Timings:
Start - 0:00
1: When you Encounter Unkindness - 1:10
2. Everything Depends on How You Interpret it - 3:00
3. Your Mind Should Sit Superior to Your Body and its Sensations - 4:27
4. Stay Mindful and Take Deliberate Actions - 6:00
5. Don’t Retreat from the World - 7:02
6. Your Opinion of Yourself Matters More Than the Opinion of a Stranger - 8:20
7. Be Open to Correction - 9:39
8. Cherish the Freedom and Liberty of Everyone - 10:17
9. Have Some Self Respect - 11:43
10. Avoid Complaining - 12:35
11. The Obstacle is the Way - 12:57
12. Adversity is Part of Nature - 14:29
13. It’s Through Adversity That We Get Stronger - 15:46
14. Everything has happened before - 16:25
15. Stay Practical and Deal with What’s in Front of You - 17:57
16. Focus on Doing What is Right and be Prepared to Face Resistance - 19:32
17. Do Your Duty and Despise Cowardice - 21:13
18. Life is Short and Death Comes to us All, That Means the Time for Action is Now - 22:10
19. Practice Getting Back on Track - 24:33
20. Look Beneath to See Things for What They Truly Are - 26:05
21. Recognize Material Wealth is Neither a Good nor an Evil - 27:24
22. Express Gratitude - 28:54

Other Language Versions:

(If you would like to translate it to your own language just send me an email)

#Stoicism #MarcusAurelius #PewdiepieBookReview #meditations #calmdown #calm #philosophy

[VoxStoica]

1: When you Encounter Unkindness - 1:10
2. Everything Depends on How You Interpret it - 3:00
3. Your Mind Should Sit Superior to Your Body and its Sensations - 4:27
4. Stay Mindful and Take Deliberate Actions - 6:00
5. Don’t Retreat from the World - 7:02
6. Your Opinion of Yourself Matters More Than the Opinion of a Stranger - 8:20
7. Be Open to Correction - 9:39
8. Cherish the Freedom and Liberty of Everyone - 10:17
9. Have Some Self Respect - 11:43
10. Avoid Complaining - 12:35
11. The Obstacle is the Way - 12:57
12. Adversity is Part of Nature - 14:29
13. It’s Through Adversity That We Get Stronger - 15:46
14. Everything has happened before - 16:25
15. Stay Practical and Deal with What’s in Front of You - 17:57
16. Focus on Doing What is Right and be Prepared to Face Resistance - 19:32
17. Do Your Duty and Despise Cowardice - 21:13
18. Life is Short and Death Comes to us All, That Means the Time for Action is Now - 22:10
19. Practice Getting Back on Track - 24:33
20. Look Beneath to See Things for What They Truly Are - 26:05
21. Recognize Material Wealth is Neither a Good nor an Evil - 27:24
22. Express Gratitude - 28:54

[Azaruz]

"The best revenge is not to be like your enemy"
Great one

[TheKeithIvar]

Marcus Aurelius is pretty much my hero. Literally one of the most powerful men EVER, and he spends 20 years of his free time detailing ways to be humble, gentle, kind, mature, peaceful and selfless. I'm currently painting his portrait!

[mspointsfre]

This man is essentially, 2000 years ago, setting the groundwork for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is the gold standard today for treatment of Anxiety and Depression. Truly a man ahead of his time.

[darkroast]

The fact that he wrote these specifically for himself with no intention for anyone else to see them is what really brings home just how brilliant, humble and good-natured he was.

[emmanuelfarma]

'If it is not right don't do it, if it is not true don't say it' I like this quote so deeply.
Long live Stoicism .

[nicolomatias]

"For any task at hand, ask yourself: "Why can't I endure it?" You'll be embarrassed to answer."
Such wisdom...

[PoptartParasol]

I'm trying my best to combat my depression through this. I have no other means to treat it, hopefully this will help me. Thank you for the video, it was enlightening

[venomoususus]

These lessons are timeless. The times change, but people don't.

[cabroncito]

Stop talking about what the good man is like, just be one. Damn that hit me

[KenMoss]

"Listen to the ancients" was the best piece of advice I was ever given. We may have computers and algorithms that influence our lives through social media but human beings remain exactly the same as they were 2000 years ago; helpless souls in an ocean of misunderstanding.
Thank you for this, it certainly helps come to terms with a society in decline.

[eyeofthetiger]

1. When you Encounter Unkindness - 1:10
Concept: Encountering unkindness or hostility from others should be met with understanding and compassion, rather than anger or resentment.
Application: Instead of feeling hurt or seeking retaliation, aim to comprehend the root causes behind the unkind behavior. Often, it's more about the individual's internal battles than about you. Responding with empathy not only preserves your inner tranquility but might also prompt the other person to introspect.

2. Everything Depends on Interpretation - 3:00
Concept: Events in themselves are neutral. Our perception and judgment assign them a positive or negative connotation.
Application: Reframe challenges to view them in a constructive light. For instance, perceive a setback as a learning opportunity. By mastering our interpretations, we can manage our emotional reactions.

3. Your Mind Should Sit Superior to Your Body and its Sensations - 4:27
Concept: The rational mind should dominate the body, ensuring it isn't swayed by transient sensations or desires.
Application: If striving for a healthy lifestyle and confronted with a craving for unhealthy food, employ rational thinking to recall the long-term advantages of nutritious eating. Don't let momentary desires dictate actions.

4. Stay Mindful and Take Deliberate Actions - 6:00
Concept: Act with purpose and consciousness, rather than mechanically.
Application: Reflect on the consequences before making decisions. For example, before making a purchase, contemplate its necessity. Such mindfulness leads to enhanced decision-making and a more intentional life.

5. Don’t Retreat from the World - 7:02
Concept: While introspection is beneficial, Stoics advocate for active societal participation and fulfilling one's roles.
Application: Engage actively in societal activities, nurture relationships, and contribute positively. Dodging challenges or seclusion doesn't foster growth or satisfaction.

6. Your Opinion of Yourself Matters More Than the Opinion of a Stranger - 8:20
Concept: Derive self-worth from personal values and deeds, not external validation or criticism.
Application: If you're confident in your choices, remain unaffected by others' viewpoints. For instance, if someone critiques your work, assimilate constructive feedback but maintain your self-confidence.

7. Be Open to Correction - 9:39
Concept: Everyone has room for improvement. Welcoming correction and feedback signifies humility and an eagerness to evolve.
Application: When presented with feedback or a correction, rather than becoming defensive, assess the feedback impartially. If it's valid, embrace it as a growth opportunity. If not, release it without harboring negativity.

8. Cherish the Freedom and Liberty of Everyone - 10:17
Concept: Every individual has a right to freedom and autonomy. Respect and uphold these rights for yourself and others.
Application: Avoid imposing your beliefs or desires on others. Recognize that each person has their own path and choices to make. Encourage open dialogue and mutual respect in interactions.

9. Have Some Self Respect - 11:43
Concept: Value yourself and uphold your dignity. Do not compromise your principles for external validation or short-term gains.
Application: Stand firm in your beliefs and actions, even when faced with opposition or temptation. Recognize your worth and do not settle for less than you deserve.

10. Avoid Complaining - 12:35
Concept: Complaining about circumstances or other people is unproductive and drains energy.
Application: Instead of lamenting challenges, focus on finding solutions or learning from the situation. Embrace a proactive mindset and take responsibility for your reactions and actions.

11. The Obstacle is the Way - 12:57
Concept: Difficulties and challenges are not barriers but opportunities for growth and learning.
Application: When faced with an obstacle, instead of seeing it as a setback, view it as a chance to develop resilience, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Every challenge has a lesson embedded within.

12. Adversity is Part of Nature - 14:29
Concept: Life is inherently filled with challenges and adversities. They are natural and to be expected.
Application: Accept challenges as a part of the natural course of life. By understanding that adversity is inevitable, you can prepare mentally and emotionally to face it with equanimity.

13. It’s Through Adversity That We Get Stronger - 15:46
Concept: Adversity, while challenging, is a catalyst for personal growth and strength.
Application: Embrace challenges as opportunities to test and strengthen your character, resilience, and skills. Growth often occurs outside of the comfort zone.

14. Everything has happened before - 16:25
Concept: History often repeats itself, and many challenges are not unique but have been faced by others before us.
Application: Gain perspective by studying history and learning from past experiences, both personal and collective. Recognize that if others have overcome similar challenges, so can you.

15. Stay Practical and Deal with What’s in Front of You - 17:57
Concept: Focus on the present moment and address immediate challenges rather than getting lost in hypotheticals or future uncertainties.
Application: Prioritize tasks and challenges that are immediately before you. Avoid overthinking or becoming overwhelmed by potential future scenarios. Handle one thing at a time with diligence and presence.

16. Focus on Doing What is Right and be Prepared to Face Resistance - 19:32
Concept: Uphold your principles and do what you believe is right, even if it means facing opposition or challenges.
Application: Stand firm in your convictions and moral compass. Understand that doing the right thing might not always be the popular choice, but it's essential for personal integrity.

17. Do Your Duty and Despise Cowardice - 21:13
Concept: Fulfill your responsibilities with dedication and avoid shying away from challenges out of fear.
Application: Embrace your roles and duties, whether personal, professional, or societal, and execute them with commitment. Avoidance or evasion due to fear hinders growth and fulfillment.

18. Life is Short and Death Comes to us All, That Means the Time for Action is Now - 22:10
Concept: Recognize the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death, emphasizing the urgency of living fully in the present.
Application: Make the most of the present moment, take meaningful actions, and avoid procrastination. Understand that our time is limited, making every moment valuable.

19. Practice Getting Back on Track - 24:33
Concept: Everyone falters at times, but the key is to recognize deviations and realign with one's path and principles.
Application: If you stray from your goals or principles, take corrective action promptly. Regular self-reflection can help identify and rectify deviations.

20. Look Beneath to See Things for What They Truly Are - 26:05
Concept: Go beyond surface appearances to understand the true nature or essence of things.
Application: In situations or when making decisions, delve deeper to grasp the underlying truths or realities. This approach promotes informed decisions and genuine understanding.

21. Recognize Material Wealth is Neither a Good nor an Evil - 27:24
Concept: Material possessions, in themselves, are neutral. It's our relationship with them and how we use them that determines their value.
Application: Enjoy material comforts without becoming overly attached or letting them define your worth. Use wealth responsibly and in alignment with your values.

22. Express Gratitude - 28:54
Concept: Cultivate a sense of gratitude for life's experiences, both good and challenging.
Application: Regularly reflect on and appreciate the positive aspects of your life, the lessons learned from challenges, and the growth opportunities presented by adversities.

[maiabh]

The most powerful man on earth, and look what he writes about: try not to be sad when insulted, not to feel jealousy, not to procrastinate, endure boring tasks... his mind is not too different from any of ours

[franz]

" You don't care about other people but you care what they think" . Sometimes the deepest messages are the simplistic . Dude was a genius and I wish I heard about him sooner .

[martycannon]

This wisdom is so relevant especially in today's world

[betteryoubetter]

Discovering this late in my life is a gift. Seeing my previous life as dead, and my new shorter life as opportunity is one of the most grateful moments of my (new) iife. I've passed this work on to my children. Thank you.

[AncientIrishCelt]

I am listening to this every day at the start of my day. Today is the fifth day.

[peeper]

Obviously not ‘happy’ but I am so grateful I have been suffering from depression since I was 13. I am 18 now and there have been 1 or 2 false optimism periods but now I have many weapons, not just exercise or not just meditation. I lost my childhood but I won’t lose my life.

[DicePunk]

I feel like Marcus Aurelius is talking directly to me. These words were heartfelt.

[handsomeyoda]

This video has impacted my life more than anything