The memoirs of Marcus Aurelius are a philosophical achievement and a Stoic hymn to life: they remind us that there is no more heard prayer than gratitude and no greater purpose than understanding and kindness.

Nineteen centuries after its writing, this journal, which he wrote on the front lines to inspire himself, remains more relevant than ever, and we feel fortunate to be able to dive into the depths of a great man's thoughts.

The "Meditations," which were not intended for publication, were written over a period of ten years and were first printed in Zurich in 1558, from a manuscript copy that has since been lost.