Emperor of Rome, Marcus Aurelius was first a student of the Stoic masters. This learning will allow him to overcome the difficulties and contradictions that his role imposed on him: a man of peace, he led numerous wars; a thoughtful and reserved man, he had a destiny that took center stage. From the Stoics he learned resistance and self-control. He has also developed techniques that he describes in this work in order to maintain the serenity to which he aspires. He composed these Thoughts in a moment of great turmoil, when he was defending the Empire from barbarian invaders from the north and east. And he turns the stoicism of the ancients into a system of action, applicable both in politics and in self-governance. A surprisingly modern and easily understandable work, which can serve as your personal guide.