Meditation Marcus Aurelius Download the Selfpause Affirmation App Meditations by Marcus Aurelius are a series of private journals written by the Roman emperor between 170 and 180 A.D. These writings have gained immense influence on the world of philosophy. The book originally had no title, but over the years, it has become one of the most popular works of philosophy in history. Marcus Aurelius wrote Meditations for his own benefit, and he never intended it to be read by a public audience. While most literature is written with an audience in mind, this work was written purely for personal benefit.