Stoicism · The Stoic Way, part 8 of 20 · 4 October 2026 · Charlotte Himsworth
Marcus Aurelius: The Emperor’s Notebook
The private journal of the most powerful man in the world.
Marcus Aurelius ruled the Roman Empire from 161 to 180 CE. He governed through war on the northern frontiers and a devastating plague. And in quiet moments, often on campaign, he wrote notes to himself in Greek.
A journal, not a book
Those notes became what we call the Meditations, though he likely never meant them for anyone else. They were his way of reminding himself how to live: to be patient, fair, humble and kind, even when tired, provoked or grieving.
Preparing for the day
One famous entry begins: “Begin the morning by saying to thyself, I shall meet with the busy-body, the ungrateful, arrogant, deceitful, envious, unsocial.” He goes on to remind himself that such people act from ignorance, that they share his nature, and that he can neither be harmed by them nor be angry with them.
Power and humility
What moves readers most is his humility. The most powerful man in the world reminds himself not to let the emperor’s purple go to his head, and to remember that all things pass.
A notebook for every life
You do not need an empire to keep a journal like his. A few honest lines each day, written to yourself, can steady the mind and gently correct our course. Members of this site can keep such a journal in their private journal.
A simple practice
Tomorrow morning, write three lines to yourself before the day begins: what you may meet, how you would like to respond, and one quality you want to bring. In the evening, read them again.