The classic collection of writings by second-century Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius is one of the foundational texts of the Stoic philosophy--and remains an evergreen bestseller centuries later, now freshly repackaged for the Union Square & Co. Signature Clothbound Editions line. A compendium of ruminations and reflections by the second-century Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, a staunch adherent to the Stoic philosophy. It is a spiritual journal of the author's philosophical exercises and a chronicle of the paradox of the philosopher-king, who must enforce the law and administer justice while looking beyond politics to the cosmic vantage point from which the tribulations of politics come to seem trivial.