The Thoughts is a series of personal reflections by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor 161Ð180 CE, written over a series of years in far-flung places as he led the Romans in military campaigns, quashed revolts and dealt with the other tribulations of governing the Empire. It is best described as a spiritual journal, containing a record of the emperor's philosophical exercises. This new edition of the Thoughts from Essential Texts includes commentary and footnotes by Damian Stevenson (On the Shortness of Life).