Did Marcus Aurelius intend Meditations to be published?

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Bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius with his right arm raised, seated on a horse, at Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome, Italy. — Marcus Aurelius Marcus Aurelius, bronze equestrian statue in the Piazza del Campidoglio, Rome.

It is uncertain whether Marcus Aurelius intended for his Meditations to be published or read by others.123

The work consists of fragmentary, private notes and reflections written in ancient Greek while the emperor was engaged in military campaigns and administrative duties. Scholars generally view these writings as a personal exercise, serving as a way for Marcus to mentally prepare himself for his daunting responsibilities and to apply the moral tenets of Stoicism to his life. Because these were intimate, internal thoughts rather than a formal literary project, it remains unclear if he ever envisioned them reaching a wider audience.1342