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Meditations

Marcus Aurelius,

Martin Hammond (Translator, Notes)

Diskin Clay (Introduction)

4.23 · Rating details · 72,285 Ratings · 3,513 Reviews

Written in Greek, without any intention of publication, by the only Roman emperor who was also a philosopher, the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius (AD 121-180) offer a remarkable series of challenging spiritual reflections and exercises developed as the emperor struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe.

Ranging from doubt and despair to conviction and ex ...more

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Paperback, Penguin Classics, 254 pages

Published April 27th 2006 by Penguin Books (first published 180)

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Nov 25, 2014 Glenn Russell rated it it was amazing

In many important ways, the reflections of Marcus Aurelius (121-180) crystallize the philosophical wisdom of the Greco-Roman world. This little book was written as a diary to himself while emperor fighting a war out on the boarder of the Roman Empire and today this book is known to us as The Meditations.

The Roman philosophers are not as well known or as highly regarded as Greek philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, or Zeno the Stoic - and for a simple reason: the Roman thinkers were not primarily interested in abstract theory; rather, they were concerned with behavior, that is, understanding how to live in the everyday world and putting their understanding into practice; the goal being to live the life of an authentic philosopher, to be a person of high character and integrity, to develop inner strength and a quiet mind and value such strength and quietude above all else. Indeed, to accomplish such a lofty goal, the Romans realized the need for radical transformation, a complete overhauling of one's life through rigorous mental and physical training, like turning base metal into pure gold. And once a person takes on the role of a philosopher, their deeds must reflect their words - no hypocrisy, thank you! Thus, it isn't surprising the Romans put a premium on memorizing and internalizing simple proverbs and maxims and employed the metaphor of philosophy as the medicine to cure a sick soul.

Turning now to Marcus Aurelius, we can appreciate how he imbibed the wisdom not only from the Stoics (along with Seneca and Epictetus, Marcus is considered one of the three major Roman Stoics), but he was also willing to learn from the schools of Epicurus, Plato and Aristotle. In the Greco-Roman world, being eclectic was perfectly acceptable; truth was valued over who said what.

We find several recurring themes in The Meditations: develop self-discipline to gain control over judgments and desires; overcoming a fear of death; value an ability to retreat into a rich, interior mental life (one's inner citadel); recognize the world as a manifestation of the divine; live according to reason; avoid luxury and opulence. But generalizations will not approach the richness and wisdom nuggets a reader will find in Marcus's actual words. Thus, I conclude with my personal observations coupled with quotes from Book One, wherein Marcus begins by expressing heartfelt thanks to his family and teachers for the many fine lessons he learned as a youth. Here are four of my favorites:

"Not to have frequented public schools, and to have had good teachers at home" ---------- After my own nasty experience with the mindless competition and regimentation of public schools, I wish I had Marcus's good fortune of excellent home schooling.

"Not to meddle with other people's affairs, and not to be ready to listen to slander." ---------- I didn't need a teacher here; I recognized on my own at an early age that gossip is a colossal waste of time and energy, both listening to gossip and spreading gossip. I can't imagine a clearer indication of a base, coarse mind than someone inclined to gossip and slandering others.

"To read carefully, and not to be satisfied with a superficial understanding of a book." ---------- How true. Reading isn't a race to get to the last page; matter of fact, I agree with Jorge Luis Borges that focused, precise rereading is the key to opening oneself to the wisdom of a book.

"To be satisfied on all occasions, and be cheerful." ---------- I'm never in a hurry. Life is too beautiful to be in a hurry. For me, there is only one way to live each day: in joy and free from anxiety and worry. In a sense, all of the meditations of Marcus Aurelius amplify this simple view of life.

I've written this review as an encouragement to make Marcus Aurelius a part of your life. You might not agree with everything he has to say, but you have to admit, Marcus has a really cool beard and head of hair. ...more

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Oct 06, 2010 Brad Lyerla rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

When I was a freshman in college, I lived in a dorm. My roommate was on the football team. He would write inspiring things on poster board and hang them in our room often on the ceiling above his bed to motivate himself. He favored straightforward sentiments like "never give up."

The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius did not hang motivational posters for inspiration. Instead, he kept a journal in which he collected his thoughts about how to live well. MEDITATIONS is that book.

Most people have heard When I was a freshman in college, I lived in a dorm. My roommate was on the football team. He would write inspiring things on poster board and hang them in our room often on the ceiling above his bed to motivate himself. He favored straightforward sentiments like "never give up."

The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius did not hang motivational posters for inspiration. Instead, he kept a journal in which he collected his thoughts about how to live well. MEDITATIONS is that book.

Most people have heard that Aurelius counsels to expect the worst and you will never be disappointed. While that is part of what he has to say, it is not the most interesting of what he has to say. At his most thoughtful, Aurelius calls on us to ask the best of ourselves and never mind the behavior of others. His MEDITATIONS is a work of motivational advice to inspire us in the ways of stoicism. It is a manual for being a complete, mature adult. It is a guide for living a dignified, thoughtful life

Consider: "Suppose that a god announced that you were going to die tomorrow 'or the day after'. Unless you were a complete coward you wouldn't kick up a fuss about which day it was - what difference could it make? Now recognize that the difference between years from now and tomorrow is just as small." Book IV (Greg Hays trans., Modern Library)

Or: "Concentrate every minute like a Roman - like a man - on doing what's in front of you with precise and genuine seriousness, tenderly, willingly, with justice. And on freeing yourself from distractions. Yes, you can - if you do everything as if it were the last thing you were doing in your life, and stop being aimless, stop letting your emotions override what your mind tells you, stop being hypocritical, self-centered, irritable. You see how few things you have to do to live a satisfying and reverent life? If you can manage this, that's all even the gods can ask of you." Book II.

And: "If at some point in your life, you should come across anything better than justice, honesty, self-control, courage - than a mind satisfied that it succeeded in enabling you to act rationally, and satisfied to accept what is beyond its control - if you find anything better than that, embrace it without reservations - it must be an extraordinary thing indeed - and enjoy it to the full." Book III

That these thoughts came from the most powerful man in the world, a man whose personal power so vastly exceeded the personal power of any American president that we have difficulty comprehending it, makes it all the more impressive. Aurelius continually writes that strength comes from humility, self-restraint and good humor towards others. He teaches us to accept what we cannot control and to trust what we know.

Good advice, indeed. ...more

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Sep 22, 2011 Riku Sayuj rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: direct-phil, r-r-rs

Marcus Aurelius must have been a prolific reader. He sure was a prolific note-taker, for these meditations are surely his study-notes(?- after all he was a 'philosopher' from age 12). I don't know of the publishing system at the time but where are the detailed footnotes and references? Marcus Aurelius is quite a wise man or at least he read enough wise men. He sure nailed it as far as boring a reader is concerned. No better way to establish your book's wisdom quotient.

I am being needlessly caust ...more

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Dec 06, 2013 Maru Kun rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: philosophy, review-or-reviewed, the-past-rome

Marcus gives us wise advice about using the Internet, particularly social networking sites:

“...because most of what we say and do is not essential. If you can eliminate it, you'll have more time and more tranquillity. Ask yourself at every moment, is this necessary…”

He shares his opinions on the worst types of modern professional. He does not approve of lobbyists and is rightly worried about their influence on the legislative process. We should heed his words:

“...so long as the law is safe, so i

...more

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Dec 16, 2015 Phyllis Eisenstadt rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

THINK ABOUT IT!

Never before have I given a five star rating to a book of which I had only read 9%. However, this book is special in many ways, and if the beginning is any indication of the author's thoughts and reflections, it merits this rating. I eagerly await my future readings of this splendid work.

Like the Bible, it can be opened to any page, and the passage will resonate with most people at various times in their life. Each passage stands by itself and is not dependent upon what had preced ...more

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May 06, 2017 Foad rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: فلسفه-باستان

جداى از جملات فراوانى ش كه به فكرم فرو برد - و جملات فراوانى كه حوصله م رو سر برد - يه خاطره ى ويژه هم با اين كتاب دارم، كه بيشتر براى يادآورى شخصى ثبتش مى كنم.

يك روز داشتم كتاب رو توى شلوغى اتوبوس مى خوندم. و به اين فرازهاش رسيده بودم كه:

لوسيلا، وروس را به خاك سپرد، سپس نوبت خودش فرا رسيد. سكوندا، ماكسيموس را دفن كرد و آن گاه نوبت خودش شد. اپيتينكانوس، ديوتيموس را تا دم مرگ مشايعت كرد و بعد از چندى خود نيز جان سپرد... كجايند آن مردان هوشمند، آن مردان بصير، آن مردان پرشكوه؟ همگى مدت هاست كه از د

لوسيلا، وروس را به خاك سپرد، سپس نوبت خودش فرا رسيد. سكوندا، ماكسيموس را دفن كرد و آن گاه نوبت خودش شد. اپيتينكانوس، ديوتيموس را تا دم مرگ مشايعت كرد و بعد از چندى خود نيز جان سپرد... كجايند آن مردان هوشمند، آن مردان بصير، آن مردان پرشكوه؟ همگى مدت هاست كه از دنيا رفته اند... به سنگ نبشته هاى گورها بينديش: «آخرين فرد خاندانش». اجدادش چه رنج هايى را بر خود هموار كرده بودند تا وارثى داشته باشند، ولى سر انجام كسى بايد آخرين نفر مى بود و با مرگ او خاندانى از ميان رفته است.

و این قدر به این نهیب ها ادامه داد که حال و هواى روزهايى كه توى قبرستان قدم مى زدم و نوشته هاى سنگ قبرها رو مى خوندم و به محتويات فعلى شون فكر مى كردم، توى سرم زنده شد. يهو اين فكر به سرم افتاد كه اين همه آدم كه دور من راه ميرن و حرف ميزنن و عرقریزان دنبال زندگی شونن، هر كارى هم بكنن هر چى هم بشه، صد سال ديگه محتويات قبرستان ها رو تشكيل ميدن، و خود من هم مثل همه. از اتوبوس پياده شدم، توى پياده ى روى شلوغ راه رفتم و فكر كردم: من دارم بين زامبى ها حركت مى كنم، بين مرده هاى متحرك، و فقط يه فكر نبود، یه احساس زنده و شفاف بود. ماركوس اورليوس براى يه خواننده ش بعد از دو هزار سال يه شهود ترتيب داده بود.

اين حال شهود-مانند به مدت سه چهار دقيقه ادامه داشت، تا اين كه به مقصدم رسيدم و از بين جمعيت پياده رو بيرون رفتم، و اون حال هم از بين رفت. ...more

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Dec 03, 2007 Walter rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: human beings

Another great influence in my life; this was the personal philosophical diary of the last "good emperor" of the Roman Empire. In this work Marcus Aurelius draws a picture Stoicism as a philosophy that I call "Buddhism with balls". It is a harsh self discipline that trains its practitioners to be champions (of a sort). Champions of what? Mastery of the self.

The heart of the book is that in order to make oneself free, they must train themselves to become indifferent to externals. The externals ar Another great influence in my life; this was the personal philosophical diary of the last "good emperor" of the Roman Empire. In this work Marcus Aurelius draws a picture Stoicism as a philosophy that I call "Buddhism with balls". It is a harsh self discipline that trains its practitioners to be champions (of a sort). Champions of what? Mastery of the self.

The heart of the book is that in order to make oneself free, they must train themselves to become indifferent to externals. The externals are those elements in life of which we have no or little control: our ethnicity, sex appeal, intelligence, lifespan, the opinions of others, etc. We must also become very aware of the one thing which we do have control over: our perceptions. Through harsh self analysis, training of the reason and self discipline, we can learn to take control of our perceptions, and in this way become impervious to all misfortune/suffering. Through this practice one cuts the puppet strings by which most people are jerked through life: pleasing others, seeking fame, sexual dominance, material goods, etc., and in the process also is freed of the suffering that stems from not having these false goals met.

This is a book that is extremely empowering. Even if some of the ideals and aims might be utterly impossible (but for a handful of great sages), they are worthy and worth striving towards.

Another aspect that I found interesting, was that here we are able to open a window into the life of a great and noble soul who was struggling to come to terms with the universe. We read the personal thoughts of the master of the civilized world, a man utterly alone and free of peers, who is grappling with the need to find meaning in life. His efforts and obvious agonies are touching. This is a deeply humane work. In many sections he has to repeatedly remind himself of the nature of death (that it is an essential and good part of nature), and often repeated are metaphors relating to the death of a child. These reminders are made very poignant when you understand that several of the Emperor's children (who he apparently loved very much) were taken by disease. This was the one understanding that he seemed to have the hardest time coming to terms with or accepting.

...more

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Jun 02, 2018 Manuel Antão rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2018

If you're into stuff like this, you can read the full review.

Wearing Mismatched Socks at Work is Empowering: "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius, Gregory Hays (trans.)

“Concentrate every minute like a Roman— like a man— on doing what’s in front of you with precise and genuine seriousness, tenderly, willingly, with justice. And on freeing yourself from all other distractions. Yes, you can— if you do everything as if it were the last thing you were doing in your life, and stop being aimless, stop lett ...more

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Aug 02, 2010 Hadrian rated it it was amazing

Shelves: philosophy, classical-antiquity, nonfiction, favorites, better-angels-of-our-nature

The inner thoughts of a Roman emperor. Profound and for some, inspiring. A mournful, yet strong man, philosopher-king, which we don't see too often anywhere.

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Sep 17, 2013 Camille Stein rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Aunque debieras vivir tres mil años y otras tantas veces diez mil, no obstante recuerda que nadie pierde otra vida que la que vive, ni vive otra que la que pierde. En consecuencia, lo más largo y lo más corto confluyen en un mismo punto. El presente, en efecto, es igual para todos, lo que se pierde es también igual, y lo que se separa es, evidentemente, un simple instante. Luego ni el pasado ni el futuro se podrían perder, porque lo que no se tiene, ¿cómo nos lo podría arrebatar alguien? Ten siempre presente, por tanto, esas dos cosas: una, que todo, desde siempre, se presenta de forma igual y describe los mismos círculos, y nada importa que se contemple lo mismo durante cien años, doscientos o un tiempo indefinido; la otra, que el que ha vivido más tiempo y el que morirá más prematuramente, sufren idéntica pérdida. Porque sólo se nos puede privar del presente, puesto que éste sólo posees, y lo que uno no posee, no lo puede perder. (II, 14)

Muchos para su retiro buscan las casas de campo, las orillas del mar, los montes; cosas que tú mismo solías desear con anhelo; pero todo esto es una vulgaridad, teniendo uno en su mano el recogerse en su interior y retirarse dentro de sí en la hora que le diere la gana. En efecto, en ninguna parte tiene el hombre un retiro más quieto ni más desocupado que dentro de su mismo espíritu, sobre todo cuando encierra aquellos bienes hacia los que es suficiente inclinarse para recobrar la paz. La que yo llamo ahora tranquilidad no es otra cosa que un ánimo bien dispuesto y ordenado. (IV, 3)

La duración de la vida humana es como un punto; la materia del hombre es un flujo perpetuo; sus sensaciones son un oscuro fenómeno; todo su cuerpo, una masa corruptible; su alma, un torbellino; su destino, un enigma insoluble; su reputación, una cosa indefinible. En resumen, todo lo que es del cuerpo es como un río; todo lo del alma, sueño y vapor; la vida, una guerra perpetua o la corta detención de un peregrino; la fama de la posteridad, un olvido. ¿Qué nos puede guiar entonces? (II, 17) ...more

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Aug 18, 2007 Richard rated it did not like it

Recommends it for: Emo Kids

By today's standards, a bog-standard blog.

The only reason that this was preserved in the first place is that the author happened to be a Roman emperor. (That, and that ancient Rome didn't have LiveJournal.)

The only reason that Meditations is still being published today is that once a book gets labeled "classic," hardly anyone who reads it has the grapes to admit that it just wasn't that good. Well...the emperor has no clothes.

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Jul 10, 2015 Parthiban Sekar rated it really liked it

Shelves: self-help, stoicism, translated-texts, favorites, classics

“Nowhere can man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul.”

This little book is the most personal work existent on the surface of the Earth, floating across all continents and countries, in all language, from time to time. Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and unmistakably, a Stoic philosopher, through his reflective aphorisms and repetitive admonitions, captivates us to inquire about our living, review our doings, and eliminate our misconceptions. This was not targeted for ...more

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Jul 13, 2016 Pavle rated it it was amazing

Shelves: džep-toalet-bus

Čitao sam Aurelijeve Meditacije u onih praznih pet minuta pred neki izlazak, na bajsu u audio formatu, pa i u toaletu (toaletno štivo - najbolje štivo). Njena fragmentirana (kratki pasusi, ponekad dužine svega jedne rečenice) gradja za to je i idealna. Zato je malo i potrajalo, ali šta da se radi.

Stoička filozofija i ovde, kao kod Seneke, nije ništa novo, ništa monumentalno, ali ono što izdiže ovu knjigu i ono što je čini posebnom, za razliku od Senekinog dela, jeste to što Aurelije ovo nije že ...more

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Mar 05, 2009 Evan rated it it was amazing

Like the Tao Te Ching, this is a collection of short, powerful statements. If only Aurelius had as much humor as Lao Tzu, or as generous a view of life. Still, some of Aurelius's reflections have a cold, wintery beauty about them. Best read as poetry rather than any philosophy to take to heart. Only readable in small bites, which makes it perfect for the subway.

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Nov 19, 2016 Jon(athan) Nakapalau rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: classics, favorites

“The soul becomes dyed with the colour of its thoughts.” After reading this book I realized that there was a wealth of wisdom from some of the greatest minds in history; all I had to do was take the time to meet them through books.

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Nov 13, 2013 Sawsan rated it liked it · review of another edition

التأملات كتبها الامبراطور والفيلسوف الروماني ماركوس أوريليوس, من الفلاسفة الرواقيين وعُرف بالفيلسوف الجالس على العرش, حكم الامبراطورية الرومانية ما بين عامي 161- 180م
دَون تأملاته, وعرض آراؤه عن الحياة والأخلاق وتهذيب النفس وفضائل الحكمة والعدالة, وأيضا فكره وأسلوبه في الحكم والإدارة
من أقواله " إذا ما استطاع إنسان أن يثبت لي أني على خطأ ويبين لي خطئي في أي فكرة أو فعل, فسوف أغير نفسي بكل سرور, إن أريد إلا الحق وهو مطلب لم يضر أي إنسان قط, إنما الضرر هو أن يصر المرء على جهله ويستمر في خداع ذاته"

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Jun 01, 2018 Chrissie rated it liked it

Shelves: audible-uk, italy, philo-psychol, classics, deals, history, 2018-read, 2-itunes-library

Marcus Aurelius was a Roman Emperor living 121-180 CE. He was born to a prominent, prosperous family in Rome. Emperor Hadrian sponsored his education. Later he was adopted by Hadrian’s successor, Emperor Antonius Pius, whose daughter he married. He became Pius’ confidant and friend, in effect ruling alongside him for ten years. At Pius’ death, in 161 CE, Marcus Aurelius and his adoptive brother, Lucius Aurelius Verus, ruled together as co-Emperors. It is thought that Meditations was written over ...more

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Dec 29, 2014 Alexandra Petri rated it liked it

This basically consists of Marcus Aurelius repeating, "Get it together, Marcus" to himself over and over again over the course of 12 chapters.

SPOILER ALERT:
-The time during which you are alive is very very brief compared to the time during which you did not exist and will not exist.
-People who wrong you only do so from ignorance, and if you can correct them without being a jerk about it, you should do so.
-You are a little soul dragging around a corpse.
-Whether or not things injure you lies in ...more

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Sep 27, 2012 Ken Moten rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: everyone

Recommended to Ken by: Peter Adamson? Mike Duncan? Can't remember

Shelves: philosophy-stuff, non-fiction-stuff, favorites, classical-stuff

(The edition I read from was translated by Meric Casaubon)

"X. These two rules, thou must have always in a readiness. First, do nothing at all, but what reason proceeding from that regal and supreme part, shall for the good and benefit of men, suggest unto thee. And secondly, if any man that is present shall be able to rectify thee or to turn thee from some erroneous persuasion, that thou be always ready to change thy mind, and this change to proceed, not from any respect of any pleasure or credi ...more

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May 15, 2018 Baran باران rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: classics, hasan-ali-yücel

Böyle bin yılları (abartı) aşmış ve okurken kimi zaman tüylerimi diken diken eden hakikatlerin çıplaklığı, kimi zaman içimi çoşkuyla dolduran faniliğimiz, sonsuz ve anlamsız zaman, kimi zaman kalbimi umutla yıkayan "an"ın yüceliği gibi birçok fikir ve durumla beni bir araya getiren, düşündürten, duygulandıran, gözlerimi dolduran bilgelik akan bir eser... Bunu yazan kişinin bir imparator olduğunu düşününce insan, böyle bir imparatora tabii olmayı dünyanın en güzel zevklerinden biri addedebilir... ...more

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Dec 26, 2016 Hirdesh rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Greatest Book I've ever read.
"What a book is this, I'll kept it with me until my death."

Everyone should read it once in a life to know Philosophy Of Life.
"The best provision for a happy life is to dissect
everything, view its own nature, and divide it into
matter and form. To practise honesty in good earnest,
and speak truth from the very .soul of you. What
remains but to live easy and cheerful, and crowd
one good action so close to another that there may
not be the least empty space between them.T ...more

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Jul 12, 2018 Daniel Clausen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-of-2018

The element that stands out in in Aurelius's meditations, other than his stoicism, is his utter thankfullness for the blessings around him. Every wise book I have written has marveled at the absolute wonder that is existence and understood what a gift it is. The other aspect of the writing that stands out is the injunction towards mildness. Excesses come in all forms, including philosophy, which can be corrupted by sophists and unneeded study. Not a flattering appraisal for someone like me who t ...more

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Aug 11, 2015 Amina rated it it was amazing

My review will be postponed until I go through this book once again, no wonder Marcus Aurelius was one of the greatest roman emperors ever, this book is endless wisdom, and a sea of vertues, you do your best to memorize, you even take notes but you end up willing to read it once more..

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Jul 17, 2008 Rachel rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I give a four to Marcus Aurelius (since he seemed like a pretty fascinating dude but I don't totally agree with him on everything) and a five to translator Gregory Hays for his readable, immediate translation as well as his thoughtful and unpretentious introduction. You can tell he really likes Aurelius, thinks of him as a buddy almost, but is willing to admit that he doesn't completely have his shit together. There's a warmth to his writing as well as a critical eye. It's easy to assume that "a ...more

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Oct 16, 2011 Giorgi rated it it was amazing

Say to yourself in the early morning: I shall meet today inquisitive, ungrateful, violent, treacherous, envious, uncharitable men. All these things have come upon them through ignorance of real good and ill.
my favorite quotation

Stoic philosopher, and a Roman Emperor from 161 to 180
try to imagine this man was a roman emperor as Nero, caligula and dioclite BUT why was he different ?he has a very good introduction about his education,

The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it Say to yourself in the early morning: I shall meet today inquisitive, ungrateful, violent, treacherous, envious, uncharitable men. All these things have come upon them through ignorance of real good and ill.
my favorite quotation

Stoic philosopher, and a Roman Emperor from 161 to 180
try to imagine this man was a roman emperor as Nero, caligula and dioclite BUT why was he different ?he has a very good introduction about his education,

The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.

What means all this? his all philosophy is based on notion purpusivness of humans life Whatever happens at all happens as it should be everything have his own place own purpose everything is good but someone's don't want to to live according his nature so if you are stupid you will tray to change the world but if you are wise you will make your purpose and live as man who knows his nature and have obligations,Never esteem anything as of advantage to you that will make you break your word or lose your self-respect. if you are training to avoid you nature you are fool this book is one of the greatest and shortest composition of wisdom .

You will find rest from vain fancies if you perform every act in life as though it were your last.

action and time, work and god,history and knowledge,will and ill everything is so brilliant in this book and then simple sentences with most original wisdom it claims that you should live as kind simple and wise person.

Very little is needed to make a happy life.but someone don't know this thougths make life happy and try to avoid vainity and to have mane of man

Remember that man lives only in the present, in this fleeting instant; all the rest of his life is either past and gone, or not yet revealed.
i read many modern philosophical books after it but non of them is more comprehensive his stile is one of the most elegant and simple conform with small chapters each of them is more smart than whole modern western philosophy if we add this that he was writing this book during war we will see his person as great philosophical commandment

The universe is flux, life is opinion.
i am a propagander of this book

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Oct 31, 2013 Olivier Delaye rated it it was amazing

The timeless manual of Stoicism, a philosophy that some will find incredibly useful to help them face life's challenges, while others will find it a little too self-centered and heavy-handed with fate and predestination. Well, to each his own, as they say. Written 1,850 or so years ago, Marcus Aurelius's Meditations are by no means a waste of reading time and are still very relevant today. Provided, that is, that philosophy is your cup of tea!

OLIVIER DELAYE
Author of the SEBASTEN OF ATLANTIS seri ...more

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Mar 30, 2009 G. rated it really liked it

I view this work as a valuable resource, after all, it's not often one knows the private thoughts of an individual, let alone one of the more successful Roman Emperors. Only occasionally does it feel like the work of a Roman Emperor. Never do we get the feeling that it's written mid battle and amid the varied intrigue attending empire maintenance. Most often it's a welcome blend of philosophical pondering and practical advice.

My favorite Books were One, Eight, and Eleven.

It's appropriate, and p I view this work as a valuable resource, after all, it's not often one knows the private thoughts of an individual, let alone one of the more successful Roman Emperors. Only occasionally does it feel like the work of a Roman Emperor. Never do we get the feeling that it's written mid battle and amid the varied intrigue attending empire maintenance. Most often it's a welcome blend of philosophical pondering and practical advice.

My favorite Books were One, Eight, and Eleven.

It's appropriate, and perhaps customary, for MA to open with credits to those who made him the man and leader he was in 170. The sections of each book are brief yet poignant. Beholden of many things, he credits his forebears with all manner of instruction, practical and spiritual. He learned to be modest and thoughtful, though not to think too much. Forgiving. Tolerant. Avoiding addictions.

Several themes recur. The importance of unity in the family of man. Avoidance of emotion, most often anger. His comments on logos were especially thought provoking. I came away with tremendous admiration for his temperament. Lesser men and women didn't learn the lessons.

The list form of the meditations is ideal. I employed a similar numbering system in my journals years ago. It's a technique employed by philosophers sorting through complex points.

Perhaps living up to the standard of Marcus Aurelius requires a level of discipline beyond our abilities. It's a nobel course. Almost a form of sainthood, bliss or enlightenment. The reward is happiness. But at what cost? He promotes a level of detachment that isn't very romantic, at best. While he was compassionate, he seemed to reserve the tenderest sentiment for posterity. His inner workings were written rather than spoken. Yet the sentiment is there. While a profound thinker it's also evident that he practiced his beliefs to great effect. The worldly temptations must have been tremendous. Omnipotence had its casualties in Ancient Rome.

In Meditations, one finds a candid companion. He is of course stoic, however intimate and altogether sane. Were his principles adhered to by only a few, I'm sure life would be easier for most.

This is a book I'll keep and reread.
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Feb 19, 2014 Tariq Alferis rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

من ليبيا ، ومن أمام موج البحر المتلاطم على شواطيء السرايا الحمراء في مدينة طرابلس القديمة، وتحديداً من تحت سقف قوس ماركوس أوريليوس الروماني القديم ،قام اعضاء نادي الكتاب والثقافة بجامعة طرابلس

مناقشة كتاب الامبراطور الروماني "التاملات " تحت اهم معلم يخلد ذكري ماركوس...

في البداية تم نقاش تاريخ القوس بصفة خاصة واهم معالمه ونقاش النقوش الموجودة فيه عبر العصور ، من رسوم الالهة الي الخربشات ونقوشات الاسبان وحتي العرب منذ الفتح قديما ...!

ثم مناقشة الكتاب في القنصلية الانجليزية القديمة (دار النويجي ) ...more

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Nov 21, 2017 Clif Hostetler rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: philosophy

Marcus Aurelius (121 – 180 AD) wrote this material in his own personal journal for his own edification. It was found and published after his death. Marcus was a practitioner of Stoicism and these writings are a significant source of our modern understanding of ancient Stoic philosophy. It is considered by many commentators to be one of the greatest works of philosophy.

The following is an excerpt of the one place where Marcus Aurelius mentions Christians:

What a great soul is that which is ready,

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Oct 09, 2011 فائق منيف rated it liked it · review of another edition

اقتباسات من الكتاب:

أوريليوس: إن اللطف لا يقاوم، طالما كان أصيلا بدون ابتسامات زائفة أو تظاهر

أوريليوس: إن غضبنا وضيقنا يؤذياننا أكثر من الأشياء التي تغضبنا وتضايقنا

أوريليوس: لا تضع مزيدا من الوقت في مناقشة كيف يكون الرجل الصالح؟ كن واحدا من هؤلاء الرجال

أوريليوس: اترك أخطاء الآخرين حيث ارتكبت

أوريليوس: امح الخيالات، وتحكم في الاندفاع، واطفئ الشهوة، واجعل من عقلك سيدا لك

أوريليوس: إذا أردت أن ترفع من معنوياتك، ففكر في فضائل أصدقائك

أوريليوس: إن كان من الصعب عليك أن تقوم بعمل ما، فلا تستنتج من ذ ...more

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Leaders' Book Club: Meditations - Books Nine to Twelve	1	3	Aug 05, 2018 07:35PM
Leaders' Book Club: Meditations - Books Five to Eight	1	2	Aug 05, 2018 07:34PM
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About Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius

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Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus (often referred to as "the wise") was Emperor of the Roman Empire from 161 to his death in 180. He was the last of the "Five Good Emperors", and is also considered one of the more important Stoic philosophers. His two decades as emperor were marked by near continual warfare. He was faced with a series of invasions from German tribes, and by conflicts with the Par ...more