To me, the moral of the story was that there will always be hurdles in life, but if you want to achieve a goal, you must continue.

Marcus Aurelius ruled the Roman Empire during one of its most turbulent periods — and met it with uncommon reflection and calm. His personal notes, collected in Meditations, were never meant for an audience. But today, they remain one of the most powerful testaments to inner clarity, humility, and strength.