Zusammenfassung
Selbstbetrachtungen (Meditations) by Marcus Aurelius is a collection of personal reflections written by the Roman Emperor between 161-180 CE, originally in Greek, capturing his Stoic philosophy.
Edited and introduced by Alexander von Gleichen-Russwurm, this German edition draws from F.C.
Schneider’s 1864 translation, supplemented with previously omitted sections.
The work details Marcus’s introspections on duty, virtue, mortality, and rational living amidst his tumultuous reign marked by wars, plague, and personal challenges.
Written as a personal diary, often in military camps or late-night palace sessions, it emphasizes self-discipline, acceptance of fate, and ethical conduct, offering timeless insights into human resilience and moral clarity.