What book has influenced me the most in my life?

If you had asked me this question a year ago it would have been quite difficult for me to answer.  I have read a lot of books over my lifetime and there are many that have changed my life in important ways.  However, over the last year I have stumbled upon a book that really has changed my life.  It is called ‘Meditations,’ and was written about 2000 years ago by the greatest Roman Emperor of all, Marcus Aurelius.

In those days, paper did not exist so the book would have been written on wax tablets which Marcus carried around with him since he spent a large part of his life away from Rome on military campaigns. The book was never intended to be published,  but it was not a diary either.  In fact, it is a collection of self-reflections about the philosophy called ‘Stoicism.’ (We should not confuse this with ‘stoicism’ because there is no connection!). Stoicism is basically a set of ideas that help you be the best person you are capable of and lead the best possible life.  I have read many modern self-help books and have never found any advice that does not already exist in the writing of the three great Stoics: Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus.  Indeed, modern psychological counselling is mostly based on the principles of Stoicism.  You might be surprised to hear that JR Rowling practices Stoicism and a lot of the ideas have clearly influenced the Harry Potter series.

Here are some of the basic ideas of Stoicism:

1. Don’t waste time because it is our most precious commodity. (Quit Facebook!)
2. Don’t get angry.
3. Don’t waste energy on things you cannot control (Stop watching the news. It’s a waste of time)
4. Love -everything- that happens to you, even the worst possible experiences.
5. Live in the present.
6. Keep a journal and review your day.
7. We make decisions hundreds of times a day, big and small.  Make each of these decisions using the 4 cardinal virtues of Stoicism: Courage, Temperance, Justice and Wisdom.

These are just a few points, and they are expressed with tremendous beauty by Marcus Aurelius (although Seneca was actually the best writer of the three).  I read Marcus’ book every day for about ten minutes and try to remember the lessons I learn throughout the day.  Every time I reread one of his astonishing passages I find something new and important in it.  I will leave you with a simple example of how to behave when someone treats you badly:

‘The best revenge is to not be like them.’

Warmest Regards,

Buri