The Meditations are a collection of personal writings and spiritual reflections by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. His thoughts on how to lead a virtuous life, the importance of tranquillity and his ideas on how to reconcile the challenges of public and private life have become one of the world's most important books. The core philosophy of Stoicism articulated here emphasises the need for inner peace and moral certainty in the face of the chaos and suffering encountered in life. As well as an intriguing philosophical text, the Meditations provide a fascinating insight into ancient Roman life.