Marcus Aurelius
As a philosopher, Aurelius is not really concerned with what other people have to say. He features no characters. The work is largely private, not intended for public consumption. In his musings, however, Aurelius reveals some about his intimate thoughts. He's not the kind of guy who is devoting his journal entries to a deep dive into his feelings, but he does express some fears and hopes. Above all, Aurelius is concerned with death. He expects goodness to follow, but he is determined to do all within his power to allow the gods to see the nobility of his work and the sincerity of his ethic. By the end fo the book, he has demonstrated a profound recognition of the way other people have influenced his life but asserts the autonomy which he has exercised over his own thoughts and conclusions.
The Stoics
Although Aurelius did not write for any intended audience, his Meditations have been read and appreciated by generations. Especially among other Stoics, however, Aurelius earned himself a position of authority with this book. Men like Georg Hegel offer their criticism and approval at given instances. Hegel does not support Aurelius' interior occupation though he agrees the fundamental idea central to Stoicism which is that one should throw off any limiting, confining force if possible. Aurelius finds this power within his internal thoughts, but Hegel looks for a less emotional solution. Others among the Stoics around the same time as Aurelius are Epictetus, Seneca, and Musonius Rufus.
