Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations on Criticism

The year was 177 AD. Marcus Aurelius, encamped in a dark forest near the upper Danube, was surrounded by hostile forces. He was pretty sure his legions would throttle the barbarians, but in war you never can tell. What’s more, grief over the loss of his beloved wife, Faustina, weighed heavy on his spirit… even sunny days seemed gloomy.