New Acropolis Pune branch hosted reflective talk titled “Inner Life – Lessons from Marcus Aurelius” on 3 May 2025 to explore timeless wisdom from the Stoic philosopher and Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. The speaker began the evening by distinguishing between the “outer life” of action and the “inner life” of reflection emphasizing that our motivations and choices come from this inner dimension, shaped by introspection.
Delving into the life of Marcus Aurelius, the talk explored the emperor’s sincere quest for goodness, as chronicled in his philosophical journal Meditations. He described the text as a testimony to the human potential for self-awareness and learning from life.
Introducing the concept of the inner self as the silent observer, whose reflections guide one toward greater harmony the speaker likened life to a process of exhalation and inhalation: action balanced by reflection. Cultivating this rhythm, he suggested, is the essence of living philosophy.
Quoting from Meditations, the speaker reminded attendees of Aurelius’s insights : “You have power over your mind – not outside events” and “Look within. Within is the fountain of good“
The session concluded with a lively Q&A, where participants posed questions about practical reflection, the nature of stoicism, handling emotions like anger, and the role of awareness in daily life.
