“Do not act as if you had ten thousand years to throw away. Death stands at your elbow. Be good for something while you live and it is in your power.”

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.