You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realise this and you will find strength. Meditations, written by the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (ad 161-180), is the common name for a series of personal notes that the emperor wrote to himself, probably without the intention to ever publish his work. Deeply influenced by stoicism, the writings were probably a means for self-improvement. The simplicity and wisdom of the quotations make them relatable for the common reader. The series is divided into twelve books, which correspond to different phases of the emperor life. Nevertheless, the central themes of self-reflection and self-discipline run throughout his writings. Aurelius believed in the need to bring the self in harmony with the universe, control rash reactions and look for logical solutions. One of the most influential philosophical books ever written, meditations paves a way of life that is deeply influenced by teachings of stoic philosophy.