Meditations

Meditations is a series of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from 161–180 CE, recording his private notes to himself and ideas on Stoic philosophy.

Marcus Aurelius wrote the 12 books of the Meditations in Koine Greek as a source for his own guidance and self-improvement. It is possible that large portions of the work were written at Sirmium, where he spent much time planning military campaigns in AD 170–180. A portion of his work was written while he was on campaign, because internal notes reveal that the first book was "written in the country of the Quadi, at the Granova" (modern-day Hron River in Slovakia) and the second book was written at Carnuntum.

It is unlikely that Marcus Aurelius ever intended the writings to be published. The work has no official title, so "Meditations" is one of several titles commonly assigned to the collection. These writings take the form of quotations varying in length from one sentence to long paragraphs.