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Meditations of Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus' Enchiridion
205 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1968
17 people are currently reading
609 people want to read
About the author
Marcus Aurelius
1,333 books6,270 followersMarcus 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 Parthian Empire in the east. His reign also had to deal with an internal revolt in the east, led by Avidius Cassius.
Marcus Aurelius' work Meditations, written in Greek while on campaign between 170 and 180, is still revered as a literary monument to a government of service and duty and has been praised for its "exquisite accent and its infinite tenderness."
Marcus Aurelius' work Meditations, written in Greek while on campaign between 170 and 180, is still revered as a literary monument to a government of service and duty and has been praised for its "exquisite accent and its infinite tenderness."
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 26, 2023
I recently read a book by David Gergen in which he relates a story while traveling on Air Force One when he was reading Meditations when another well know pubic figure sat down next to him and inquired what he was reading. Gergen responded and said he tried to read Meditations once a year. The other man responded that did the same. Given that strong endorsement and having never read Meditations I added to the top of the list.
The "Meditations" is a collection of personal reflections and philosophical musings by Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, written in Greek during his military campaigns between 170-180 AD. The work is divided into 12 books, each consisting of various passages on a wide range of topics, including stoicism, virtue, death, and self-discipline.
Marcus Aurelius provides a glimpse into the mind of a stoic philosopher-emperor, who reflects on the transient nature of life, the inevitability of death, and the importance of living a life of virtue and self-control. He emphasizes the need to detach oneself from material possessions and external circumstances, and instead focus on developing inner strength, moral fortitude, and a sense of duty towards others.
Overall, "Meditations" is a profound work of philosophy and a fascinating glimpse into the inner life of one of history's greatest leaders. It is a must-read for anyone interested in stoicism, self-improvement, and the art of living a fulfilling life.
The insights into the human condition are still relevant and applicable today, and it is a testament to the enduring power of stoic philosophy. While the writing style can be dense and challenging at times, the overall message is one of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Quotes: This book is a treasure trove of great quotes and wisdom.
“You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”
“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.”
“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love ...”
“Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.”
“Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize?”
The "Meditations" is a collection of personal reflections and philosophical musings by Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, written in Greek during his military campaigns between 170-180 AD. The work is divided into 12 books, each consisting of various passages on a wide range of topics, including stoicism, virtue, death, and self-discipline.
Marcus Aurelius provides a glimpse into the mind of a stoic philosopher-emperor, who reflects on the transient nature of life, the inevitability of death, and the importance of living a life of virtue and self-control. He emphasizes the need to detach oneself from material possessions and external circumstances, and instead focus on developing inner strength, moral fortitude, and a sense of duty towards others.
Overall, "Meditations" is a profound work of philosophy and a fascinating glimpse into the inner life of one of history's greatest leaders. It is a must-read for anyone interested in stoicism, self-improvement, and the art of living a fulfilling life.
The insights into the human condition are still relevant and applicable today, and it is a testament to the enduring power of stoic philosophy. While the writing style can be dense and challenging at times, the overall message is one of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Quotes: This book is a treasure trove of great quotes and wisdom.
“You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”
“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.”
“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love ...”
“Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.”
“Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize?”
October 30, 2020
If you believe that there is nothing beyond nature (and that even if there is God or gods or spirits, they are only constituents of the cosmos), that death is probably the end of the self, that all future events are most likely determined already, and that nothing happens but the same sorts of things that have always ever happened, then this is a useful, thoughtful collection of wisdom for coping with life. To the extent to which you do not believe these things are so, its utility diminishes proportionately.
October 20, 2019
One of the first and still read self-help books ever. It's crazy to be able to read someone's mind whos been dead for centuries. Not sure if old self-help books are my thing, but it's interesting to think how much life has changed over time, but, people still think the same way
October 3, 2012
Marcus Aurelius, one of the five great Roman emperors and one of the last Stoics, left his meditations recorded as daily thoughts for us to contemplate.
May 5, 2019
Book six is fire!
June 19, 2017
Translated by George Long. Had it for years but never read. Started reading and finished 3/5/16.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews