The lack of arrogance or self-pity in his ruminations offers proof that Aurelius passed the test of character with flying colours. Furthermore, the best way to test a person's writing is to give it time. Once again, Aurelius demolished the test. For example, contemporary world leaders would do well to heed the advice under the heading "Talking and Being" where he writes, "Stop talking about what the good person should be, and just be that person." Most of these quotes are similarly brief as he extols the virtues of working hard, not acting impulsively, and living in communion with the natural world. Like Thich Nhat Hanh or Kahlil Gibran, this is an accessible writer of lasting spiritual integrity. --Gail Hudson