The Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius wrote Meditations on campaign in Pannonia between 170 and 180. Day by day Aurelius wrote down personal thoughts and observations as a source for his own guidance and self-improvement in these difficult times. His stoic ideas revolve around the denial of emotion, a skill which, he believed, would free a man from the pains and pleasures of the material world. He claimed that the only way a man could be harmed by others would be to allow his feelings to overpower him. Almost a spiritual and ethical diary, Meditations is filled with stunning imagery, practical guidance and intimate reflections on how to react when confronted with adversity.