Summary of Books 7-9

Book 8 Summary

In this book, Aurelius makes it clear that he is disappointed with certain people with the pretense of the label of ‘philosopher’ by fail to actually adhere philosophy. However, he gives a small strand of hope in insisting that as long as they “abandon any concern for reputation” they may self-correct themselves and live the rest of their lives as their nature permits. (Aurelius 73). In this way, Aurelius places a huge emphasis on the importance of abandoning reputation for the sake of bettering one’s self and ridding one’s self from distractions that inhibit living life according to one’s nature. He also believes that before partaking in any action, we must first deem the action worthy before pursuing it. In this way, the ‘think before you act’ motto really becomes heightened to meaning more than just what it seems, but also to mean of whether or not said action would be regretful. Aurelius’ comment of regret is that

“Regret is a censure of yourself for missing something beneficial.”

Meditations 73

The ‘beneficial’ in this sentence meaning the good, and this is something that would concern a ‘good person ‘, therefore, someone striving to be a good person, should keep this in mind. In this book, Aurelius also lays out three principles that are universal to each person; that each person should have secure relations with. Aurelius states

“Three relations. First, to your environment; second, to the divine case which is the source of all that happens to all men; third, to your fellows and contemporaries.”

Meditations 75-76

Ultimately, this means that one should be in tune with the environment, and therefore nature, with God, and with fellow peers. In this way, the self, the soul, and social life are all connected and are at peace with one another. He also adds

“men are born for the sake of each other. So either teach or tolerate.”

Meditations 82

I find this quote to be an excellent way of Aurelius telling his audience that people need to either be positive forces of society through teaching others, or through tolerating others, which as discussed in previous books, is beneficial to keeping the peace of one’s mind.