“I have often wondered how it is that every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinions of himself than on the opinions of others.”

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.