I own a copy of the 1945 Classics Club, "Marcus Aurelius and His Times." I'm reporting here that I finished reading the first part of the book, "Meditations." It's not easy reading. Often I read the same section or page more than once to see if I would get a better understanding with a second reading. ( )

(of the Meditations only) Philosophy, well written and simple. I enjoyed it. ( )

My father had the entire Classics Club series in the family library. My earliest reading memories are from this series, from around 1963 on. After his death in 1973, the books were divided up, and this one came with me.

These writings are the reflections of a man in a position of great power. Yet he revelas himself as a man possessed of human frailties and vulnerabilities and certainly not one who is over proud or consumed with his high status. Instead, his goal is to be a good man. His ordinariness is more important to him than acclaim as an emperor. His thoughts inspire and challenge me to be a better person. His strength and simplicity are models to emulate. ( )

Marcus Aurelius Meditations: (I skimmed the last part of this), Especially meaningful since reading Francis Schaeffer's work. Interesting to see that other than names, philosophy hasn't really changed much. Also, interesting to see how men of that age were struggling to find answers before they had a Bible. They did have witnesses to the truth, however, like all ages, few believed. Lucian: This skeptic was just like reading Mark Twain. Justin Martyr: One of the pagans who did become a Christian, he makes a good argument for the emptiness of philosophy and the reasonableness of faith in Christ. ( )