I struggle to sleep ever since I can remember. When this collection was launched, I jumped at the opportunity to listen to some interesting "bedtime stories". This compilation of the meditations of Marcus Aurelius is a quick listen, and an essential text on stoicism. The Roman Emperor never had these philosophical thoughts published and it wasn't until the sixteenth century that the Heidelberg University in Germany decided these gems shouldn't be kept from the world and printed them. Listening to this book did not make me sleepy. And I listened to it on several nights as I lay in bed. I discovered that some beliefs I had growing up aligned perfectly with what Marcus Aurelius reflected upon, namely that everything happens for a reason and that life is too short to complain. I have always made it a point to avoid regretting anything: on one hand, regrets will not change the past nor affect the future. On the other, lamenting what has already happened won't change anything. I also recently started living the moment with less focus on the future. The reflections encompass life and death, duty, suffering and pain, managing relationships, and compassion. A compelling strain of logic that doesn't need to be yours, and still is stimulating to explore.
