Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations: A Timeless Guide to Stoic Wisdom
Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations stands as one of the most influential works of Stoic philosophy, offering profound insights into the art of living with wisdom, integrity, and resilience. Written by a Roman Emperor who led through turbulent times, Meditations provides timeless reflections that remain deeply relevant in our modern world.
This course invites you to embark on a journey through the thoughts of Marcus Aurelius, exploring how his Stoic principles can help you cultivate inner strength, navigate challenges, and achieve personal tranquility. Through guided readings, interactive discussions, and reflective exercises, you will gain a deeper understanding of Stoicism and its practical applications in daily life.
What You’ll Learn:
Core Stoic Concepts: Understand key Stoic ideas, including the dichotomy of control, the importance of virtue, and the practice of mindfulness.
Application of Stoic Principles: Learn how to apply Stoic wisdom to overcome obstacles, manage stress, and live a more purposeful life
Historical and Philosophical Context: Explore the historical background of Meditations and its place within the broader tradition of Stoic philosophy.
Personal Reflection and Growth: Engage in personal reflection exercises designed to help you internalize Stoic teachings and cultivate a resilient mindset.
Course Highlights:
Expert Guidance: Learn from a knowledgeable instructor who brings a wealth of experience and insight into Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations.
Engaging Content: Participate in thought-provoking discussions, reflective exercises, and interactive activities that bring Marcus Aurelius’s teachings to life.
Community Learning: Join a supportive community of learners, fostering an environment of shared exploration and mutual respect.
Why This Course?
Accessible Translation: Gregory Hays’s translation is renowned for its clarity and accessibility, making the profound wisdom of Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations understandable for all readers.
Comprehensive Approach: Our course combines textual analysis, historical context, and practical application to provide a well-rounded understanding of Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations.
Flexible Learning: Enjoy the flexibility of online learning, allowing you to engage with course materials at your own pace and convenience. [Live, Dynamic, Transformative]
Enroll Today and Cultivate Wisdom, Resilience, and Virtue in Your Life!
Join us for a transformative exploration of one of the greatest works of philosophical thought. Enroll in the “Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations” course today and discover how the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius can guide you toward a life of virtue, purpose, and inner peace.
This course is ideal for anyone interested in philosophy, personal development, or the wisdom of the ancient world. Whether you are new to Stoicism or have previous knowledge of Marcus Aurelius’s work, you will find valuable insights and practical tools to enhance your life.
Register Now to Enroll and Begin Learning Stoicism from Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations!
Course schedule: 1.5 hrs/wk x 8 wks 10/29-12/12
Course cost: $499.00 1/2 Off Limited-time offer: $250.00
To register, complete the form below, including your preferred scheduling option and we’ll send you a payment link to complete your registration!
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Review
Course Logistics
8 weeks, 2x per week, 1.5 hours per class
Live Classes to be conducted via Zoom, and recorded for unlimited replay/review.
Day/Dates:
Mondays and Wednesdays – October 28 through December 11
Option 1 Class Times:
- 6:00-7:30 PM Eastern
- 5:00-6:30 PM Central
- 4:00-5:30 PM Mountain
- 3:00-4:30 PM Pacific
Option 2 Class Times:
- 9:00-10:30 PM Eastern
- 7:00-8:30 PM Central
- 8:00-9:30 PM Mountain
- 6:00-7:30 PM Pacific
Required Course Text:
Meditations: A New Translation by Marcus Aurelius, Gregory Hays (Translator)

Author Bio
Marcus Aurelius: A Brief Biography
Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD) was a Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD, known not only for his reign during one of the most challenging periods in Roman history but also for his philosophical reflections, which he penned in the form of Meditations. These writings were not intended for publication but served as personal reflections on his Stoic philosophy, offering guidance on how to live a virtuous and fulfilled life. Today, Marcus Aurelius is celebrated as one of the great Stoic philosophers, and his Meditations continues to inspire readers around the world with its timeless wisdom.
Historical Context
Marcus Aurelius ruled during the height of the Roman Empire, a period often referred to as the era of the “Five Good Emperors” or the Nerva-Antonine dynasty. This era was marked by relative stability and prosperity, yet Marcus Aurelius’s reign was fraught with challenges, including wars on multiple frontiers, a devastating plague, and internal political strife. Despite these trials, he is remembered for his commitment to duty and his philosophical reflections, which provide a window into the mind of a ruler striving to act justly in an often unjust world.
The Meditations
The Meditations is a series of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, composed as a source of guidance and self-improvement. Written in Greek, these reflections are divided into twelve books, each offering insight into Stoic principles such as the importance of rationality, the acceptance of fate, and the pursuit of virtue. Unlike other philosophical works, Meditations is deeply personal, revealing the inner thoughts of a man who was both a ruler and a philosopher. This unique perspective makes Meditations not just a philosophical treatise, but also a timeless manual for personal growth and ethical leadership.
Influences
Marcus Aurelius was deeply influenced by several key figures in Stoic and Roman philosophy. His mentor, Fronto, provided him with a grounding in rhetoric and literature, while the Stoic philosopher Epictetus profoundly shaped his understanding of Stoic ethics. The teachings of Epictetus, particularly the concept of distinguishing between what is within our control and what is not, are evident throughout Meditations. These influences, combined with his own reflections, form the foundation of the philosophical insights that Marcus Aurelius offers in his writings.
Legacy
The legacy of Marcus Aurelius extends far beyond his reign as emperor. His Meditations has been revered by scholars, leaders, and thinkers for centuries as a masterpiece of Stoic philosophy. The practical wisdom contained in his writings continues to resonate with modern audiences, offering guidance on how to live a life of integrity, resilience, and purpose. Marcus Aurelius’s blend of philosophical contemplation and practical governance serves as an enduring example of the power of Stoic thought in both personal and public life.
Instructor Bio

Christopher Hurtado: A Brief Biography
Christopher Hurtado holds a Bachelor of Arts in Middle East Studies/Arabic and Philosophy from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and a Master of Arts in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies from the Monterey Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California (now the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey).
He has taught for the Department of Philosophy & Humanities and the Department of History & Political Science and Political Science at Utah Valley University, and for the Department of English, Linguistics & Writing at Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Academic Work
He has taught courses in Ethics and Values: Focus on Islamic Ethics and Ethic and Values: Focus on Philosophy as Bios including Global/Intercultural for the Department of Philosophy & Humanities and Introduction to WMD Nonproliferation for the Department History & Political Science department at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, and Intro to Writing: Composition and Rhetoric and Intermediate Writing for the Department of English, Linguistics & Writing Studies at Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Marcus Aurelius's Meditations
Christopher has taught Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations for the Department of Philosophy & Humanities at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah in courses including Ethics and Values: Focus on Islamic Ethics (2013-2017), Ethics and Values: Focus on Philosophy as Bios (2013-2019), and Introduction to Philosophy (2019).
Approach and Influence
Christopher’s unique perspective is shaped by his extensive academic background, his practical experience in teaching, and his deep engagement with Greco-Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance ethical and political thought.
Testimonials
Christopher is an exceptional teacher who demonstrates a deep passion for Sufism. His teaching style is engaging and interactive, making complex concepts easy to understand. I must say his enthusiasm is very contagious. He creates a supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to participate and grow. I have personally benefited greatly from his knowledge and his guidance.
I have known Christopher for over eight years, and we have studied many philosophy- and spirituality-oriented books together. Christopher is an expert on Imam Ghazali and The Alchemy of Happiness. He is able to help guide you through the book, with thought-provoking conversations which will help you get deeply into the mind of the Sufi Master. Christopher’s understanding of the subject matter, as well as his expertise in the Arabic language, give him unique insight into the work. I would highly recommend anyone looking to better understand Sufism and Al-Ghazali to have Christopher guide them.
Thankfully, early in my spiritual journey I stumbled into Christopher and not only made a good friend to have with me on my journey, but one who happens to be a walking encyclopedia. History is full of God’s wisdom, and Christopher is a worthy resource to study and understand so much more than I could ever have done alone.
“I hold Christopher Hurtado with high regard and respect; not only for his love of humanity but also because of his commitment in the pursuit of truth and knowledge. His understanding of history, language, politics, philosophy and religion is impressive. I have found that if one is truly seeking knowledge and understanding, Christopher is willing to invest his personal time to help one achieve those goals. Christopher has become somewhat of a mentor to me in this regard He is always responsive to honest questions regardless of how busy he is and willingly guides one in such pursuits.. Although Christopher has strong opinions of his own he consciously directs students to original sources rather than expecting them to take upon them his own opinion and knowledge. I believe there is the expectation to look beyond the surface and to think deeply about things of significance. He has always shown patience and kindness as I’ve asked many questions, often the same ones, over and over again in an effort to help me understand difficult concepts. As someone who delights in the study of various subjects, I will continue to turn to Christopher as a teacher, who I find to be an honest and true source of information and learning.”
It has been a true pleasure studying The Alchemy of Happiness with Christopher Hurtado. I am new to Al-Ghazali’s work. While I find it very interesting, it would be a lot for me to sift through on my own. Christopher’s deep understanding of the concepts and context make him an excellent guide. If you are interested in Islamic philosophy, sign up now.

