Book IX
Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius, an emperor steeped in Stoic philosophy, wrote this meditation as a reminder to prioritize inner judgment over external validation. His advice counters the natural human tendency to crave approval. By encouraging introspection of critics' motivations, he champions a radical form of empathy that detaches one's peace from others' opinions. This approach aligns with Stoicism's broader aim: living in harmony with nature's rational order.