How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter)
Quote #1
He does not realize that it is sufficient to concentrate solely on the divinity within himself and to give it true service. That service is to keep it uncontaminated by passion, triviality, or discontent at what is dealt by gods or men. What comes from the gods demands reverence for their goodness. (2.13)
Marcus is speaking here of the man who is always "out and about" looking for ways to figure out what his neighbors are thinking about him. Instead, this guy should be nurturing that little spark of divinity (reason) that has been give to him as a gift from the gods. If a person can live a life that cultivates the mind—rather than giving a flip about more earthly concerns—he makes a grateful return to the Whole for giving him rational capacity.
Quote #2
And see that you keep a cheerful demeanour, and retain your independence of outside help and the peace which others can give. Your duty is to stand straight—not held straight. (3.5)
Marcus is a big proponent of self-sufficiency. This is something that comes from within, since a person cannot remain independent from the chaos of earthly life unless he or she insulates his or her mind from it.
Quote #3
At the break of day, when you are reluctant to get up, have this thought ready to mind: 'I am getting up for a man's work. Do I still then resent it, if I am going out to do what I was born for, the purpose for which I was brought into the world? (5.1.1)
We all know what it's like to face Monday morning head on. Apparently, that's been a thing since ancient times. Marcus approaches his reluctance as an incentive for an attitude adjustment, since it's actually his duty as a human being to get up and at 'em. This is the most positive that Marcus ever really gets, understanding as he does his place in the universe and the purpose of his existence.
Quote #4
In one respect, man is something with the closest affinity to us, in that it is our duty to do good to men and tolerate them. (5.20)
Marcus is using the royal "we" here (or the royal "us") and speaks as though he's of a completely different race from those around him. In many ways, he does feel that other people are aliens—that he's the only one who actually received his bit of reason from the Whole. But here, Marcus acknowledges kinship with other people, and he admits that they have the same basic purpose in life: to see to the common good and have patience with others, since we all have a common origin.
Quote #5
If you are doing your proper duty let it not matter to you whether you are cold or warm, whether you are sleepy or well-slept, whether men speak badly or well of you, even whether you are at the point of death or doing something else... (6.2)
Marcus has a lot to say about our purpose on this earth. Clearly, our purpose is not linked to pleasure in any way, nor is it linked to any concern for reputation or physical well-being. For Marcus, it's all about behaving in a way that is "proper to man." In other words, you have to do the things that are expected of rational creatures. This might vary from one person to the next, depending on your fate or where your talent lies. But once you are following the path designated by his reason, it truly is your duty and purpose in life to continue down it.
Quote #6
I do my own duty: the other things do not distract me. They are either inanimate or irrational, or have lost the road and are ignorant of the true way. (6.22)
The emperor is a single-minded guy—or at least he's talking a good game. Marcus speaks of being a kind of closed circuit at all times, retreating into the fortress of his mind to avoid the traps of earthly life. This isolation reaches into other aspects of his life as well. Though it's important for us to live for each other and to complete social acts that benefit the community, we must remain independent and totally focused on our purpose in life. Distractions might come in the form of quarrels, concerns about reputation or fame—even pleasure. If Marcus keeps his mind on the seriousness of his obligations and what he owes to the gods, he believes he has a better chance of getting it done.
Quote #7
Everywhere and all the time it is up to you to honour god in contentment with your present circumstance, to treat the men who are your present company with justice, and to lavish thought on every present impression in your mind, so that nothing slips in past your understanding. (7.54)
Marcus defines his obligations carefully here, and all in reference to the present moment. He's very clear throughout Meditations to lay claim only to the present—since the past and the future are out of our reach. For the present, then, Marcus vows to give his full attention to the gods, to other people, and to his own thoughts. That should keep him busy for a bit.
Quote #8
Remind yourself of your duty to be a good man and rehearse what man's nature demands: then do it straight and unswerving, or say what you best think right. Always, though, in kindness, integrity, and sincerity. (8.5)
Marcus is not interested in shenanigans of any sort. He knows what it means to be a good person—and he knows that to be good is his life's goal. The only way for him to reach that goal is to do what his principles demand, without further delay. And as vexed as he often gets with his fellow men, he's determined to treat them with kindness, since that shows a tranquility of mind and a respect for the gods who created them all.
Quote #9
Just as those who try to block your progress along the straight path of reason will not be able to divert you from principled action, so you must not let them knock you out of your good will towards them. (11.9)
Again, Marcus emphasizes the need for a kind and tranquil response to even the most annoying of people. A calm demeanor is the sign of a well-disciplined mind. Marcus also knows that as a man of philosophy, he has to balance his desire to make his way through life on his own terms with the need to act as a social being, always looking out for the common good.
Quote #10
It follows that the aim we should set ourselves is a social aim, the benefit of our fellow citizens. A man directing all his own impulses to this end will be consistent in all his actions, and therefore the same man throughout. (11.21)
If he's going to pick a purpose and aim in life, we think that Marcus has chosen the right one for his profession. As emperor, he is in a position to effect the most good for the largest number of people. It's also especially pressing for him as a leader to remain consistent in his behavior. To have such a goal allows him to funnel his focus and energy into an appropriate channel for his station in life.