Meditations

An interesting and inspiring collection of Emperor Marcus Aurelius’ thoughts about life, love, politics and living your best life. I don’t subscribe to Stoicism as a philosophy, but much resonates, such as living in the present, being your best self, being kind…etc. Worth a read with a yellow highlighter!

As someone who hasn’t read many books since required to in high school, this was a great start for my newfound interest in philosophy. Simple concepts that are repeated throughout the books that allow me to reflect on myself

I wish I had known about this book fifty years ago. Outstanding read, and reference to guide you through the challenges of life. And when you read it, give the ideas time to contemplate.

Wow! What a game changer It has been for me to read this. It's also a mind blower! To think that this guy wrote all these musings, or meditations, thousands and thousands of years ago, and that he was so right on... It's just crazy! I definitely can understand the translation quite well so I think they did a good job there. However, I didn't appreciate the forward being so long: you It's like 70% of the volume of the book. So after the first couple of pages of that I said forget this! and flipped straight to Marcus Aurelius' translated manuscripts, where I delighted in a veritable gold mine of philosophies to visit and ponder. I actually find myself being very attitude checked this past week or so while reading it as well... For the better! It seems to have had to calming effect on me and the results are that I'm not letting people and their BS get to me so much. This guy was, and still is, right on the money in his philosophy. Very enjoyable, very thought-provoking, and I'm so glad I picked this book up. I think it might even change my life somehow! A must read and must own! Highly recommended.

Meditations (translated by Gregory Hays) is a timeless and thought-provoking book. The translation is clear and accessible, making Marcus Aurelius’s wisdom easy to absorb. Some passages can feel repetitive, but that’s part of its meditative nature. Overall, a powerful read for anyone interested in philosophy or personal growth.

This review will likely be somewhat different from most of the other comments about this “new” translation of philosopher-king Marcus Aurelius’ classic “Meditations.” First, Wikipedia mentions a dozen different English translations, with Hays’ being written in 2002, so, while well done, it’s not necessarily “today” new. Second, the book does a great job of describing Stoicism but doesn’t really get into any validation of the philosophy itself, leaving the reader on his own about the value of Aurelius’ comments about how to live life. Here is some of what the translator/editor says: Stoicism is a concept derived from the Greek for “painted porch,” where the Stoicism-originating philosopher Zeno was said to have taught at the Agora marketplace in ancient Athens. Stoicism is one of the four major schools of philosophic thought established in the Greek period: Stoicism (Zeno), Epicureanism (Epicurus), Cynicism (Diogenes), and Skepticism (Pyrrho). Seneca the Younger, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius are philosophers who continued the stoic tradition into the Roman period. Stoicism says that virtue is the way to achieve eudemonia ("happiness" or the highest human good) through an ethical way of life devoted to reason. It provides an emotional resilience to misfortune, especially through its calling much of what happens in life as fate, about which humans can do little, so why complain? As for validation, Stoicism has several modern philosophers criticizing it as tantamount to determinism (no free will), a way to avoid trying hard to change the world, and a way to deaden the pain in moments of loss. Yes, there is great truth in the goal of living life according to reason. Still, there is also value in not always suppressing emotions (or psychosomatic responses to previously made value judgments) as psychologists would advise. In this respect, I was intrigued by what happened (outside the parameters of Aurelius’ commentary) with his Nero-like son, Commodus. Commodus reigned from 177 (jointly until Aurelius' death in 180) and then another twelve years by himself until his assassination by his wrestling partner in 192 AD at age 31 (at the end of the Pax Romana). Commodus had little interest in administration, leaving it to others who irked Rome's senators by increasing their taxes. He did not continue the frequent warfare known during his father’s reign. While peaceful, Commodus’ rule was known for its abundant intrigues, reversion to dictatorial rule, and creation of his deific personality cult with him fashioned as a new Hercules and/or Romulus. He performed as a gladiator, as loosely portrayed in the movie “Gladiator.” Some historians thought he was not naturally wicked but guileless and brought to his actions through cowardice as a slave to his companions. But was his rejection of Stoicism at least partially the result of his upbringing by Marcus? Consider Marcus’ comment in Book Eleven, #34: “As you kiss your son good night, says Epictetus, whisper to yourself, ‘He may be dead in the morning.’” Is this any way to develop a love for one’s son, or is it a way to stifle it in trying to avoid the pain of future loss (so, since I made sure it won’t hurt, just go ahead and sock it to me)? As regards the stoic-like “Serenity Prayer” of modern philosopher Reinhold Niebuhr (or his student Winnifred Crane Wygal), consider the pithy challenge to have the wisdom to know the difference between what can and cannot be changed. One will read long and hard throughout Aurelius’ twelve books (many of which dwell upon mortality) of the self-pep-talk “Meditations” to find any sure-fire way to know or even consider the difference. Nevertheless, Aurelius does a great job in commenting on the value of moral character (seeking the truth, deciding what is right, and courageously acting accordingly). Speaking of moral character and Stoicism, George Washington is said to have absorbed Stoicism from time spent with his brother’s inlaws, the Fairfaxes of Belvoir. Of special note was Washington’s fascination with the stoic character of the noble Roman Senator Cato the Younger in Addison’s play “Cato, a Tragedy,” about the republican martyr Cato’s contention against the dictator Julius Caesar. There’s also the stoic-like “call of duty” example from the virtuous early Roman consul Cincinnatus. As well, in Washington’s youth, he was said to have owned an English outline copy of the principle dialogues of the stoic philosopher Seneca the Younger. Bottom-line and my commentary aside, Marcus Aurelius’ book in this translation is highly recommended to be read as a classic “Great Book” from one of history’s most notable warrior philosopher-kings. Of possible interest to those interested in George Washington as a warrior philosopher-definitely-not-wanting-to-be-king, check out the following book detailing the importance of character in securing life, liberty, and the "pursuit of happiness": George Washington’s Liberty Key: Mount Vernon’s Bastille Key – the Mystery and Magic of Its Body, Mind, and Soul , a best-seller at Mount Vernon.

Such a beautifully contemplative read with timeless advice.

On the surface Marcus Aurelius is clear in his words. Most of what he says is common sense, bar, perhaps, anything related to providence and god - although, those words have somewhat different meaning in a Stoic sense than what we may associate with them today. Because everything is so clear, is common sense and applicable to our life today the experience reading this book is profound. It's not one to rush through, though. One want to take time to reflect. Reflection can be challenging. Because Marcus challenges our (modern) habits of rushing through life, ever busy, never truly present, often angry, and attached to external goods - we are consuming, but are we living? And are we living well? Reflection on his words can change perspective. And thus can be life changing - if the moral guide Marcus lays out, based on the ancient virtues of Stoic philosophy, are applied in practice in ones life. This often sounds easier than done, in reality. However, it's the same for everything in life: one needs to start, continue to learn, train and get better. Marcus, like many of us, is in this inner fight between what is right and what is wrong. He wants to be a good man, doing the right things, and reminding him in these meditations how to live the good life. On its own, without having any introduction and understanding of Stoic doctrine, the book is certainly valuable to read. However, I can only encourage one to look deeper into the details of Stoic philosophy to get a full understanding of the meaning of Marcus' words. As only then one can truly grasp the "why" beneath the individual paragraphs. Then the Meditations can become a guide for life to keep close to hand at any moment to call on for help and guidance at any moment of uncertainty, struggle and loss. This translation from Gregory Hays is superb. Simple, modern English, without losing the beauty of the language of the original.

wonderful and inspiring

Interesting read, many thoughts — reiterated to show importance

I’m not sure if this is normal but it’s the first time i’ve seen this so i’m pretty sure it’s not.

Great book that gave wanted for a gift for hubby. Arrived on date it was predicted to arrive by . Very happy !