Marcus Aurelius MEDITATIONS:
1. Book 2: What is the purpose of this text? What Stoic principles and values does it outline?
2. Book 3: Comment on Stoic values proposed in these excerpts. What in MA opinion are the prerequisites of happiness?
3. Book 4: What values does MA juxtapose in this text (#3)? What values does he promote in this Book?
4. What was the purpose of Marcus’ writing of Book 5 texts (#11, 30, 32, 34)?
5. Which of the meditation texts did you find the most appealing/ worthwhile?
6. Which of Marcus Aurelius' values can be identified as Christian?
7. What does Marcus Aurelius say about the following issues:
-Asceticism
-Meditation/prayer
-Human nature
-Piety
-Death
-Human values
-Logos/nature
Sayings and Life of Diogenes:
- How did the cynics excite scorn? Why did they do it?
- Who and/or what are the targets of Diogenes?
- What is his attitude to the authorities?
- What can you say about Diogenes' asceticism (if any) judged on his sayings? Can we consider the life of Diogenes an ascetic life?
- Read the sayings of Diogenes. What values and views do they reflect?