Meditations: The Philosophy Classic (Capstone Classics)
Product ID: 144718261
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A deluxe special edition of the ancient classic written by the Roman Emperor known as “The Philosopher” Meditations is a series of personal journals written by Marcus Aurelius, Emperor of Rome from 169 to 180 AD. The last of the “Five Good Emperors,” he was the most powerful and influential man in the Western world at the time. Marcus was one of the leaders of Stoicism, a philosophy of personal ethics which sought resilience and virtue through personal action and responsibility. Stoicism, viewed as a foundation of modern self-help, has inspired many personal development and psychotherapy approaches through to the present day. Meditations is perhaps the most important source of our modern understanding of Stoic philosophy. Its twelve books chronicle different stages of Marcus Aurelius’ life and ideas. Although he ruled during the Pax Romana, the age of relative peace and stability throughout the empire, his reign was marked by near-constant military conflict and a devastating plague which killed upwards of five million people. Aurelius’ writings give modern readers an unprecedented look into the “spiritual exercises” which helped him through his tumultuous life and strengthened his patience, empathy, generosity, self-knowledge and emotional health. The private reflections recorded in the Meditations were never meant to be published, rather they were a source for Marcus’ own guidance and self-improvement, and jotted down by campfires or in military tents on the Roman front. The lessons, insights and perspectives contained within this remarkable work are just as relevant today as they were two millennia ago. This volume: Presents the timeless wisdom of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his Stoic philosophy, with new research on his life and times Contains valuable insights on topics such as resilience, moderation and emotional control Discusses how to live “in agreement with nature” and abide by strong ethical principles Part of the bestselling Capstone Classics Series edited by Tom Butler-Bowdon, this attractive, high-quality hardcover volume includes: An original Introduction by Marcus Aurelius authority and Stoicism expert Donald Robertson, author of How To Think Like A Roman Emperor . A modernised, up to date version of the classic George Long translation. Meditations: The Philosophy Classic is a volume which will occupy a prominent place in any library for years to come. Review: Enjoyable and thoughtfully written - Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a timeless classic that provides a window into the philosophy of Stoicism. The book is a collection of personal reflections written by the Roman emperor himself, offering insights into his thoughts on self-discipline, ethics, and morality. Despite being written over 2,000 years ago, the themes explored in the book remain relevant today and offer a source of wisdom and inspiration for those seeking to live a meaningful life. Whether you are a student of philosophy or simply looking for guidance on how to live well, "Meditations" is well worth reading. You will have to analyse some of the things written from the lenses of the Roman Empire & culture, as it may not be aligned to a modern reader's life views. The book itself is a sturdy hard copy, with limited information. It looks very neat, and would make a good gift for someone potentially interested in philosophy. Review: Must buy for any young man - Wonderful book, outstanding it is over 2000 years old and yet the lessons still apply, This is a MUST get for any young man
| Best Sellers Rank | 3,822 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) 6 in Eastern Mystical Philosophy (Books) 11 in Philosopher Biographies 113 in Historical Biographies (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 4,181 Reviews |
J**S
Enjoyable and thoughtfully written
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a timeless classic that provides a window into the philosophy of Stoicism. The book is a collection of personal reflections written by the Roman emperor himself, offering insights into his thoughts on self-discipline, ethics, and morality. Despite being written over 2,000 years ago, the themes explored in the book remain relevant today and offer a source of wisdom and inspiration for those seeking to live a meaningful life. Whether you are a student of philosophy or simply looking for guidance on how to live well, "Meditations" is well worth reading. You will have to analyse some of the things written from the lenses of the Roman Empire & culture, as it may not be aligned to a modern reader's life views. The book itself is a sturdy hard copy, with limited information. It looks very neat, and would make a good gift for someone potentially interested in philosophy.
H**H
Must buy for any young man
Wonderful book, outstanding it is over 2000 years old and yet the lessons still apply, This is a MUST get for any young man
A**S
Needs time
Not a book to read in one go. I.M.O. needs time by reading a little and 'cogitating' (!) on whats said. Much is banal but the idealistic nature and thoughts on politics are relevant even today. As said, it's idealistic, humanity is not this nice or thoughtful in my experience.
N**H
A worthwhile read!
Hardbound in a strong black binding with its title impressed into the front cover, and a golden sleeve that draws the eye, this new edition of a classic is very well presented. The text is a good size and very easy to read. The author was Caesar for nineteen years and a leader of stoicism but this volume is completed by a 24 page extensive introduction by scholar Donald Robertson. The introduction is incredibly helpful an sets it in context. Aurelius sees black and white, good and evil and lives in a world of absolutes - which may not at first sight go down easily today - which is exactly the value of reading this. The style of his writing is is in short bursts - notes in a journal - expressing ideas as they flow from his brain. Much of it is like the writing of proverbs - just a little more verbose. Whereas strong attention has to be paid to the context, these words are well worth reading and give insight into a popular philosophy of his day. I particularly found his comments about "empty fame" were very relevant to our modern society. Of course his viewpoint is always submersed in his polytheistic theology, but his writings are a great insight into a world that is not so different from our own and from a man whose intelligence is also little different to ours. A worthwhile read that I would recommend, especially to those who like reading a little philosophy for pleasure or for students who want to read around their subject rather than just reading as little as possible.
N**F
Excellent quality.
A classic. Excellent reading.
J**F
Brilliant.
An absolute classic. A great book if you're in the mood for a bit of soul searching, or just feel a little existential.
L**M
Great
Marcus Aurelius was a stoic philosopher and a Roman emperor. He inspired Leo Tolstoy greatly. His thoughts and advice is priceless and eternal.
S**N
One of the best books ever written
First off, if you're reading this, but have never read the book, stop wasting your time, order it now, then come back to my review once that's done. This is a wonderful translation, it has a nice introduction to the man himself and the quality of the binding is solid for a book that costs less than a tenner! There is also something very sexy about a black font on a black cover, although in fairness all of the books I have ordered from the series are the same. Meditations itself was a journal never meant to see the light of day. It is made up of the musings of the last great Roman Emperor, and the last great Stoic Philosopher. Once you read this book, you'll understand why he was considered both. A truly wise man.
D**S
Muy bien.
Todo muy bien. Diseño y traducción.
G**A
Hardcover Premium
If you enjoy this book, which is obviously a classic that has been printed lots of times, it's great to have it on hard cover as a form of collection.
C**E
Beautiful book
A stoicism's masterpiece which helps you grow and practice the great values of this philosophy. The design of the book is stunning and could even be a great gift idea for those who need to find balance and understanding in life
S**R
On par
Can’t wait to complete my collection.
N**E
A gift to anyone who can read
I have a few of these hardcover "Meditations" is in my gift storage. It works for all ages really, as long as the person can read they can pick gems out of this text, heck I would give this to my children. Universal wisdom & knowledge that will be relevant as long as humanity exists.
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