A collection of personal writings covering an array of topics. The book cover such diverse topics as the question of virtue, human rationality, the nature of the gods and Aurelius's own emotions such as doubt, despair and exaltation. A collection of personal writings covering an array of topics. Marcus delves into spiritual reflections and exercises, which he developed as a leader, in his struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. The book cover such diverse topics as the question of virtue, human rationality, the nature of the gods and Aurelius's own emotions such as doubt, despair and exaltation.