Discussion questions:

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:

 

  1. How did the cynics excite scorn? Why did they do it?
  2. Who and/or what are the targets of Diogenes?
  3. What is his attitude to the authorities?
  4. What can you say about Diogenes' asceticism (if any) judged on his sayings? Can we consider the life of Diogenes an ascetic life?  
  5. Read the sayings of Diogenes. What values and views do they reflect?

 

 
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