Meditating On Marcus Aurelius' 'Meditations'
By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam
1 May 2026
Nowadays, I'm re-reading Marcus Aurelius' famous book ' Meditations.' His writings, particularly "Meditations," have continued to inspire countless individuals and serve as a source of wisdom and guidance in navigating the complexities of life. The life and philosophy of Marcus Aurelius have influenced generations of thinkers and leaders, and his insights into human nature, morality, and the pursuit of excellence remain relevant to this day.
A couple of quotes from 'Meditations' and Aurelius' oeuvre have always inspired and guided my life:
"Whenever you notice someone else going astray, immediately turn and examine how you yourself have gone astray."
The Essential Marcus Aurelius , Chapter 10, pages 118-123
This quote encourages self-reflection and humility. Instead of casting judgment on others, we should first introspect and recognize our own flaws. In doing so, we foster compassion and understanding, realizing that we are all susceptible to missteps and that personal growth begins within. Shaikh Sadi says, " Once you've this realization that you're a bundle of flaws, you've no time to look at the follies and foibles of others, for your own mistakes are so many and so overwhelming that it's futile to find fault with other people." Mistakes and shortcomings of others are potential reminders that yours are much bigger. If the spirit of Aurelius' quote is fully imbibed, the world could be a far better place to live in because then humans will be focussed on improving and refining themselves and they'll emerge as evolved ones. The Buddha sums it up, " You're no one's teacher. Everyone is a student." There'll be no arrogance, no condescension and hubris in any individual.
"How small a part of the boundless and unfathomable time is assigned to every man, for it is very soon swallowed up in the eternal!"
The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius , Chapter 14, pages 101-106
This quote provokes thought on the brevity of human life within the vastness of time. By acknowledging our limited duration, we can choose to live with intention and purpose. It serves as a reminder that our actions and thoughts should align with our values, as our time is precious and finite. This reminds me of Rumi's famous quote,
“With life as short as a half-taken breath, don't plant anything but love.”
In the expanse of time and space, the existence of a human has no place. 'Faqat yahi gham hai/ Waqt kitna kam hai/ Aata, jaata hai insaan/ Kainaat lekin har-dam hai' (This is the only tragedy/ There's so little time/ We come and go/ But the Universe remains forever there). Painfully brief is human life. In fact, it's exiguous. The awareness of the insignificance of human existence keeps all of us grounded and this very awakening is a sine qua non for our growth, development and evolution. Granted, the brevity cannot challenge the eternity, it can assert its identity. My own puerile Urdu couplet from a ghazal tries to put it in perspective, 'Hayaat-e-mukhtasar ka malaal na kar / Taveel zindagiyaan aksar pheeki hoti hain' (Don't mourn over the brevity of life / Long lives are often lacklustre).
…
A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian.
URL: https://newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/meditating-on-marcus-aurelius/d/139858
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism