Books That Matter: Meditations

Dive into one of history’s most notable books and discover how to cultivate a meaningful life through Stoic philosophy.

Overview

Course No. 20130

This 12-lecture course explores Marcus Aurelius’ timeless wisdom, helping you:

• Understand Stoic principles that guided a Roman emperor
• Apply ancient wisdom to modern challenges
• Develop resilience through practical spiritual exercises
• Transform perspective on control, anger, and purpose

What You’ll Learn:

✓ The Stoic worldview of Marcus Aurelius
✓ How to build your “Inner Citadel” of resilience
✓ Techniques for managing emotions and expectations
✓ Why this personal journal became a philosophical classic
✓ Modern applications of ancient Stoic practices

Video Lectures

Section 1: Foundations

01: The Meditations as Philosophical Journal (30 min)
Marcus’ gratitude list reveals his character

02: Marcus Aurelius: Emperor Philosopher (29 min)
How empire shaped his thoughts on virtue and duty

03: Becoming a Stoic (29 min)
Core Stoic concepts in Meditations

Section 2: Daily Practices

04: Preparing for the Day (29 min)
Stoic cosmology and “preferred indifferents”

05: The Inner Citadel (28 min)
Finding peace through self-reflection

06: Present Moment Focus (29 min)
Control vs. acceptance in Stoic thought

Section 3: Emotional Mastery

07: Anger Management (30 min)
Stoic cognitive techniques for equanimity

08: Rejecting Utopian Dreams (32 min)
Action in the here-and-now

Section 4: Ethical Living

09: Ten Commandments of Marcus (32 min)
The emperor’s personal code for virtuous living

10: Historical Impact (33 min)
Why Stoicism endures across centuries

Section 5: Modern Applications

11: Spiritual Exercises (30 min)
Practical Stoic techniques for daily life

12: 21st Century Stoicism (31 min)
What still works (and what needs updating)