The Stoic Magazine Library

Six themes constitute the core of Stoicism. First, Stoics stress the necessity of self-control. Second, Stoics insist on seeing things as they are. Third, living according to nature is vital to Stoics. Fourth, your virtue depends on doing your duties, which are defined by your roles. Fifth, having virtue depends on knowing. Sixth, Stoicism is an aspirationalist ethics. Let’s explicate each theme in turn.

In this extract from his new book Marcus Aurelius: Philosopher-King, William O. Stephens discusses the importance of Memoranda (Meditations) as a philosophical text.