On why we are compelled by the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

From The Inner Citadel: The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius by Pierre Hadot 

Could we not say that if this book is still so attractive to us, it is because when we read it we get the impression of encountering, not the Stoic system, although Marcus constantly refers to it, but a man of good will, who does not hesitate to criticize and examine himself, who constantly takes up again the task of exhorting and persuading himself, and of finding the words which will help him to live, and to live well?

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In world literature one finds lots of preachers, lesson-givers, and censors, who moralize to others with complacency, irony, cynicism, or bitterness; but it is extremely rare to find a person training himself to live and to think like a human being.

Hadot puts it perfectly. It is precisely because Aurelius was speaking to no one but himself that his exhortations and effort to be a better and kinder person are so powerful, impressive, touching, and inspiring; and still so resonant today.