Meditation II was written by the famous Roman philosopher Epik Titus (about 55 ~ 135). Marcus Aurelius, the ancient Roman emperor, read his works in his early years and admired him very much. He considered himself a private disciple, and his masterpiece Meditations was deeply influenced by his works. Epik Titus is one of the philosophers who contributed the most to the development of western ethics after Socrates, and he is a master of Greek philosophy. He was born into a slave family in Phrygia, east of ancient Rome. When he was a child, he was sold to Rome as a slave. Later, he was released and studied under the philosopher Rufus. In 89 AD, he was exiled to Nicopolis in northwest Greece until his death. Morton hunt, a famous contemporary psychologist, once said: "epiktetos' thought shows the theory behind the current mainstream psychotherapy: natural and man-made disasters are not surprising, and problems will only arise after hard thinking." It turns out that as early as about two thousand years ago, epiktetos had laid a profound theoretical foundation for the most important psychotherapy-rational emotional behavior therapy.

The author believes that the meaning of life lies in seeking freedom and peace of mind, living a self-disciplined life according to the laws of nature, and being the master of one's own soul anytime and anywhere. He said that people's value is not outside, not in communication with others, not in their own views. Even people who love you may not agree with you, understand you and share your enthusiasm. Firmly do what you need to do, don't care about other people's opinions, because that's just other people's opinions, and it's probably subjective will after being blinded by the appearance of things.

Regarding will, he said, you should combine your will with natural will. Learn to understand the will of nature, study it, pay attention to it and combine it with your own will. Never make up your own rules subjectively. Because all things, big or small, official or private, are naturally endowed with their own rules, and we must integrate our own will with our natural will, which is the highest rule. Always listen to the natural will in our hearts, and then follow its instructions. Make your motives and actions conform to God's will.

As for doing things, he said, only do what you can. People's embarrassment often lies in their dissatisfaction with what they can do and their desire for what they cannot do. What we can really do is to control our will and focus on what we can do. Ask yourself what you want most, and then concentrate on it. Never indulge in entertainment and neglect your career.

Regarding the ego, he said that a wise life should always pay attention to the ego. Use your diary to write down what kind of person you want to be and accurately describe the behavior of these people. The most important requirement for yourself is seeking truth from facts and being able to clearly know your strengths and weaknesses. Your idea and your ability are two different things. Don't always think about others giving you some advice. You don't need any advice. The only thing you can do is to think about how to make yourself happy. You have to decide your life. If you can't choose for yourself, then others will choose for you. People who can't even control their own destiny have no freedom to enjoy.

Regarding happiness, he said that happiness can only be found from the heart. Wealth and status are only the means to achieve happiness, not the happy life itself. What really matters for a happy life is our inner actions, not those external means. Don't confuse the means to achieve happiness with the happy life itself. Don't be troubled by inevitable misfortune or pain, and don't leave room for anxiety. Inner happiness and peace is a good life.

Regarding harm, he said, don't let our views on things hurt ourselves. Because things themselves don't hurt or hinder us, what hurts us is often our attitude and reaction to things. If you understand it from another angle, you will have different feelings. Don't always get hurt in your own thoughts. Don't expect anyone to think the same about you as you think about yourself. With this idea, even if you are insulted and laughed at, you won't feel angry and hurt. Don't blame yourself or others. Because, no matter you complain or complain, all you get is pain.

Regarding rationality, he said that a rational life should first think about oneself rationally. Rational thinking does not require us to be indifferent, but its task is to critically test our speculation or conjecture. Rationality requires us to learn to avoid being emotional, especially when asking questions. If we can't think clearly, if we add too much emotion to our thinking, then our orderly life will become chaotic. Only with reason can you understand the laws of nature.

Regarding wisdom, he said that an important sign of intelligent life is to maintain a spiritual thirst for knowledge. We must get rid of arrogance and be modest in everything. Learn to observe and listen, and know how to be content. Cherish what we have now and calmly deal with uncontrollable things.

Regarding caution, he said that every action should be cautious. A wise life requires action, but action does not mean recklessness. You need to think twice before you act. Before taking possible actions, we must form the habit of conducting investigation and research; Don't act impulsively before proceeding, but take a step back and look at the overall situation. Face everything calmly and cautiously.

Regarding self-confidence, he said that he should fully believe in himself and constantly pay attention to his beliefs and impulses. People who try to please others are always easily misled into areas beyond their control. So, don't please others, and don't lose your goal in life. In fact, confidence and caution are not contradictory. We should be cautious and confident in everything we do.

Regarding control, he said that the only thing you can control is to be the best you can, and don't expect to be others. Clearly realize that other people's affairs are other people's, not yours. Only by doing this can we not be subject to others, nor will we spend our energy criticizing or opposing others.

Regarding habits, he said that habits are a terrible force, and bad temper is also a habit. If you get into the habit of being calm and not getting angry easily, you can live a happy and peaceful life. Learn self-restraint, so that your enthusiasm will not be consumed.

About friends, he said, choose your friends carefully and who you should be with. Try to choose people who can improve your character and bring out the best in you. It takes a little effort to make friends in prosperity, but it is more difficult to find friendship in adversity than to ascend to heaven.

Regarding independence, he said, we should gradually learn to let ourselves not rely on others' praise and praise. To live a rich life, we must learn another important moral quality-the philosophy of self-sufficiency. A thriving life depends on self-sufficiency.

Regarding tolerance, he said that it is necessary to tolerate others, not to be angry with others, but also to tolerate yourself and treat yourself as well as possible. If you often compare yourself with others, or compare yourself with your ideal self, it will make you very painful. Everyone is gradually improving. In this process, everyone must take two steps forward and one step back. Everyone can stand up from failure.

Go to the feast of a better life. Because, there is always a door open for you.