He practiced this life despite being an Emperor and having all the luxuries of life being available to him. Marcus analyses elements in depth to reveal their true purpose and identity in the context of the world and life. Even complex matters such as death are separated in terms of soul and body with the aim to objectively develop the comprehension. Food is the fuel for the body and clothes protect us from the elements. This is the true purpose of these things for our life's sustenance. Our consumerism societies come up with innovative ways to encourage us to buy more and wear more variably. However, narrowing it down to the core, a designer brand does not cover your body anymore or does not protect your body from the elements anymore than the simple version of the same garment. Think about the time you spend it picking your clothes, time spent on online shopping, the purpose behind the personality that is being developed when these activities are taking place. Is the purpose of life for us? Is this what we were made to do? We worry about what people might think when we wear such clothes. But do we give the same importance to what we say and think about every single word that leaves our tongues? The thought that goes behind us caring for the textures of the our clothes and the choice of colours needs to be analysed. The underlying reasons need to be understood. This is part of understanding ourselves and this is the study that Marcus encourages us to take.
Another quote that I have shortlisted to be included in my library is also relevant here which is as follows. See the commentary on that as well.
Marcus did not chose a frivolous lifestyle despite having all the luxuries being available to him partly because of the above perhaps. The comforts in life can sometimes make you too comfortable and deviate you from the true purpose in life. Any time spent in carrying out these mundane and meaningless activities is time stolen from building a purposeful life. We only have one life and when we are on our death bed we should be able to look back our lives and be content with it. Even to the extent he says that every minute of the day, the thoughts that occupy our minds should be such that anyone could ask you what you are thinking and you should be able to tell them without hesitation. If life is a finite period divided in moments then the true accountability of these moments is what will help us lead a meaningful life.