“Anything in any way beautiful derives its beauty from itself and asks nothing beyond itself. Praise is no part of it, for nothing is made worse or better by praise.”

Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher of the 2nd century CE He wrote *Meditations*, a private journal blending practical philosophy with reflections on duty, resilience, and the nature of existence. His work remains a cornerstone of Stoic thought, offering timeless guidance on self-mastery and perspective.