How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter)
Quote #4
I am made up of the causal and the material. Neither of these will disappear into nothing. So every part of me will be assigned its changed place in some part of the universe, and that will change again into another part of the universe, and so on to infinity. (5.13)
Marcus speaks rather coldly of his future dissolution into his component parts. This is the thing that keeps him steady in the contemplation of his mortality and helps him to accept his role in the grand scheme of the universe. While there's no mention of a preservation of self in this scheme, Marcus does not seem too disturbed. There's still a chance that consciousness will be preserved, so to play a role in the renewal of the universe is part of human nature that we shouldn't fear.
Quote #5
Things of themselves cannot touch the soul at all. They have no entry to the soul, and cannot turn or move it. The soul alone turns and moves itself, making all externals presented to it cohere with the judgements it thinks worthy of itself. (5.19)
Marcus speaks of the mind and soul as closed systems, things that are not necessarily responsive to external concerns. This may sound antisocial, but Marcus points out the necessity of this isolation to the preservation of personal freedom. If you can keep your mind and soul walled off from the hubbub of the outside world, you'll never become dependent on the things of this world (wealth, fame, emotional drama). This will allow you to be more authentically yourself, the being created by the Whole for a specific purpose in the universe.
Quote #6
And do not think, just because you have given up hope of becoming a philosopher or a scientist, you should therefore despair of a free spirit, integrity, social conscience, obedience to god. It is wholly possible to become a 'divine man' without anybody's recognition. (7.67)
Marcus is clearly having a struggle with his identity and role in life. He's born to be a leader and live an active life, but he's drawn to a contemplative life of study. This, unfortunately, cannot be. Marcus finds himself in the position that many of us in the modern world understand: how can he balance all the parts of his life and personality? How can he run the Roman Empire and plumb the depths of philosophical truths? Marcus decides that on the most basic level, philosophy is about a life well lived, according to one's principles. He's pretty sure he can swing that, even while fighting off hostile tribes on the frontier.