Marcus Aurelius (121–180 AD) devoted himself to Stoic philosophy and gained great esteem for his philosophical writings. From an early age, Marcus transcribed his own philosophical reflections, which—by divine fortune—have been preserved and passed down to us under the title "To Himself" (Meditations).
This book testifies not only to Marcus's dedication to advancing in philosophy but also to his kindness toward all. It also contains useful teachings for those devoted to the art of living, on how to lead a calm and happy life.

Ὁ δὲ Μάρκος Αὐρήλιος Ἀντωνῖνος ἦν τῶν αὐτοκρατόρων τῶν Ῥωμαίων (161-180 μ.Χ.) καὶ κάλλιστα περὶ τῆς κατὰ αὐτὸν διοικήσεως τῆς ῾Ρωμαίων ἀρχῆς ἤκουσε. Πέφυκε μὲν ἐν Ῥώμῃ ἐκ λαμπροῦ γένους, εἰσεποιήθη δὲ πρὸς Ἀντωνεῖνον τὸν Εὐσεβῆ καλούμενον, ὅνπερ μάλιστα ἐζήλου τῆς ἀρετῆς, νομίζων αὐτὸν εἶναι ὡσπερεὶ εἰκόνα πολιτοῦ βέλτιστα πολιτευομένου. Κατὰ τὴν ἀρχὴν τοῦ Μάρκου καὶ πόλεμοι συχνοὶ καὶ ἀκαιρίαι ἐγένοντο, οὐ μὴν ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐν τοιαύταις δυσχερείαις ἐπίσημος ἐγένετο ἅτε φερεπόνως τε καὶ ἐπιμελῶς ταῖς ἀνάγκαις χρησάμενος. Ὁ δ᾽οὖν Μάρκος Αὐρήλιος ἀριθμεῖται ἐν τοῖς Πέντε Ἀγαθοῖς αὐτοκράτορσι, παράδειγμα ποιησάμενος τοῖς ἐπιγιγνομένοις καρτερίας τε καὶ φρονήσεως.