Megan.jcs’s Reviews > Meditations > Status Update

Book VII: A lot of this chapter focuses on the idea that nothing is truly new and that change is necessary for life. Marcus also compares humans to bees, saying everyone has a role in society and contributes to the whole. Some of the ideas about making your own moral decisions rather than following others are solid, but the constant return to “nothing matters because we’ll all die” still feels contradictory.

Book VIII: Is this man depressed? These are not happy thoughts. Marcus keeps referencing great philosophers and their morals while also saying you should make your own decisions and not be influenced by others, which feels contradictory. There’s also the idea that people act based on what they believe is good or bad, which almost reads like justifying behaviour if someone thinks they’re right.

Book VI: Really leans into the concept that nothing really matters in the grand scheme of the universe, which still feels quite depressing. Again, invent therapy faster?? That said, there are a few ideas I actually like here, particularly the point about being content with yourself and not being dissatisfied with your life. That what's good for you is good for everybody (assuming your aim isn't harm)

Book V: There’s a lot about doing good things without expecting anything in return and living morally regardless of recognition. The sentiments are right I just think his way of going about them are wrong. It’s also very religious, with multiple references to the gods and prayer. This part really made me question why on earth I got recommended this book.

Book IV: Really leans into the idea that humans are tiny and insignificant in the universe, so trivial things don’t really matter. A lot of it focuses on controlling how you react to things, if you don’t let something harm you mentally, it won’t harm you. This is an unrealistic approach and one that only someone of power could really believe.

Book III: This book is so pessimistic. Its main focus is life is short and then you die. There’s a lot about keeping control of your mind, living morally, and not being distracted by pleasure or desire. He leans heavily into ideas about discipline, chastity, and devotion to the gods. This isn't a book written for others, it's a reflection of his inner thoughts. Ancient Romans could probably use some therapy.

Book II: This shifts more into Marcus reflecting on nature, the gods, and the shortness of life. A lot of it is just reminders to himself that life is brief and opportunities shouldn’t be wasted. There’s also a focus on controlling emotions and not letting pleasure or anger guide your actions. Still very religious and very much reading like someone trying to discipline their own mind.

Book I: It feels like a series of acknowledgements and reminders to himself. Very tied to the worldview of the time though, with references to obedient wives and a clear sense this is written by and for men in positions of power. Still reading very much like a private diary.

Credits Review: Honestly a lot of the values he highlights are good ones; being kind, treating people fairly, and respecting others regardless of position. At the same time it’s very clearly written from the perspective of ancient Rome, with mentions of obedient wives and slavery that feel dated. Overall it seems like him reflecting on the qualities that shaped him. This is a diary and definitely reads like one.

Im listening to the audio book of this and honestly it feels a bit like a chore. I started reading it because I was dating someone and we said we'd read each others favorite book. I don't recommend doing this. Do not read books for men.

Anyway. So far the book has been about self-discipline and inner peace - but it indirectly reinforces misogynistic cultural stereotypes, though women are largely excluded from it.