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Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius (121 - 180 CE), philosopher-emperor, wrote the Meditations (his title was The matters addressed to himself) in periods of solitude during military campaigns. His ethical, religious, and existential reflections have endured as an expression of Stoicism, a text for students of that philosophy, and a guide to the moral life.
Content
Meditations Book I -XII
Speeches
Sayings
Note on Christians
Content
Meditations Book I -XII
Speeches
Sayings
Note on Christians
416 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 180
About the author
Marcus Aurelius
1,256 books5,436 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 17, 2021
Marcus Aurelius knew how to write Pinterest quotes 2,000 years before the internet was invented, and for that, I give him kudos.
This is a great, concise lesson in the Stoic view on life (like the ancient philosophy, not the brooding and manly romantic hero kind), which I can sum up thusly: 1) that there is an all-encompassing force that drives us, and our only choice is to futilely resist it or accept it; 2) nothing can harm you if your mind stops labeling things as bad or unfair; 3) you should do good by other people because communal wellbeing relects your own wellbeing; and 4) death isn't a big deal and there's nothing to be afraid of. That's basically it, rinse and repeat. (I don't think Marcus Aurelius would feel disparaged by the fact I summarized it so concisely; the man loved lists.)
There is some good advice in here. It's just very repetitive. Which is understandable, because this is a man's private reflections that he didn't intend to be published or widely read. It's so that he, and only he, can remind himself of his ideals so he can continue living by them. Which is very admirable, really. It's just that by the 10th book I was kind of petered out on the whole Stoic acceptance thing, especially because I'm so terrible at it. I wish I was better. Should I be keeping a Stoic Meditations journal?
Anyways, from a historian point of view (and not a literary connoisseur point of view), this is very revealing of Marcus' mindset and how philosophy was an active part of Roman imperial rule. In an inverse way, the things he had to keep repeating to himself were the things he most struggled with; and I found it very sad (but relatable) that an emperor and military general surrounded by war and plague was so afraid of death. He really seems like a man who loved his friends and family deeply and did not endure their losses well.
But on a humorous note, it is so obvious that Marcus could not STAND other Roman aristocrats. He's constantly reminding himself to be patient with idiots and not complain about his job. This is hilarious to me, but in a kind of depressing way, because rich Roman men are the most insufferable people who ever lived. That is a historical fact. Marcus really seems like a man who was born into the worst time period, and he knows it; he's just like, Ugh! I was sooo born in the wrong century. Only ancient Greek philosophers get me. And that's valid.
RIP Marcus Aurelius, you would've loved self-isolation.
This is a great, concise lesson in the Stoic view on life (like the ancient philosophy, not the brooding and manly romantic hero kind), which I can sum up thusly: 1) that there is an all-encompassing force that drives us, and our only choice is to futilely resist it or accept it; 2) nothing can harm you if your mind stops labeling things as bad or unfair; 3) you should do good by other people because communal wellbeing relects your own wellbeing; and 4) death isn't a big deal and there's nothing to be afraid of. That's basically it, rinse and repeat. (I don't think Marcus Aurelius would feel disparaged by the fact I summarized it so concisely; the man loved lists.)
There is some good advice in here. It's just very repetitive. Which is understandable, because this is a man's private reflections that he didn't intend to be published or widely read. It's so that he, and only he, can remind himself of his ideals so he can continue living by them. Which is very admirable, really. It's just that by the 10th book I was kind of petered out on the whole Stoic acceptance thing, especially because I'm so terrible at it. I wish I was better. Should I be keeping a Stoic Meditations journal?
Anyways, from a historian point of view (and not a literary connoisseur point of view), this is very revealing of Marcus' mindset and how philosophy was an active part of Roman imperial rule. In an inverse way, the things he had to keep repeating to himself were the things he most struggled with; and I found it very sad (but relatable) that an emperor and military general surrounded by war and plague was so afraid of death. He really seems like a man who loved his friends and family deeply and did not endure their losses well.
But on a humorous note, it is so obvious that Marcus could not STAND other Roman aristocrats. He's constantly reminding himself to be patient with idiots and not complain about his job. This is hilarious to me, but in a kind of depressing way, because rich Roman men are the most insufferable people who ever lived. That is a historical fact. Marcus really seems like a man who was born into the worst time period, and he knows it; he's just like, Ugh! I was sooo born in the wrong century. Only ancient Greek philosophers get me. And that's valid.
RIP Marcus Aurelius, you would've loved self-isolation.
November 16, 2017
The Philosopher, The Emperor, And The Good Life
A review of this treasure of wisdom and thought may border on the presumptuous. Perhaps it may be of value for those coming to the book for the first time or for those who wish to compare another person's thoughts on the book with their own. Also, I find writing these online reviews helps me to understand my own reading.
Marcus Aurelius was the Emperor of Rome from 161--180 A.D. During the years he was absent from Rome leading wars against barbarian invaders, he set down his own thoughts during his moments of repose. His thoughts were appropriately titled "To Himself"; although they have come down to us under the more usual title of "Meditations". Marcus Aurelius never intended the publication of this work. As C.R. Haines states at the outset of his introduction to his edition: "It is not known how this small but priceless book of private devotional memoranda came to be preserved for posterity. But the writer that in it puts away all desire for after-fame has by means of it attained to imperishable remembrance."
I think it is important in the reading of this book to remember that it is Marcus Aurelius communing with himself in his position of Emperor. The reader will need to understand the book as an exercise in self-reflection to allow the book to work on his or her own capacity for self-reflection.
The book is in short, repetitive paragraphs and should not, with the exception of the opening chapter, be read as a discursive, continuous argument. Because Marcus Aurelius did not intend his reflections for publication, the language sometimes is crabbed and concise and needs effort to read. This assists in thinking through with the Emperor to the heart of what he has to say.
Marcus Aurelius teaches a philosophy that is usually described as stoicism which teaches control of the emotions and the subjection of the passions to what he describes as reason. For Marcus Aurelius the reason in each person is part of the overriding reason that pervades the cosmos. Marcus Aurelius teaches restraint, thought, modesty, friendliness and love to all, humility, a counsel against the quest for fame, and bravery and acceptance in the face of sorrow, pain and death. He teaches the need to perform the duties of one's position in life, without regret or complaint or ambition, as Marcus Aurelius himself, as it happened, was called upon to perform the duties of Roman Emperor. His teaching is eclectic and relies on Plato and Heraclitus in particular in addition to his stoic mentors, specifically the Greek slave Epictetus.
I read this book when young and it has been many years before I have returned to it. It is a good book to read in small sections. I read much of it over several weeks while commuting back and forth on the Metro. The book also serves to put one's mind in the proper framework and perspective for the world of work.
The Loeb edition of this much-translated work is valuable because of its small size, the perceptive introduction by Haines and most importantly because it includes the original Greek on facing pages. This may seem unnecessary to the many people who would benefit from reading Marcus Aurelius who do not know Greek. I find it valuable to see and to read the original text in a language which, likewise, I studied briefly many years ago.
This is a great and lasting book. Wherever you may be in life, you will enjoy it and benefit from it.
Robin Friedman
A review of this treasure of wisdom and thought may border on the presumptuous. Perhaps it may be of value for those coming to the book for the first time or for those who wish to compare another person's thoughts on the book with their own. Also, I find writing these online reviews helps me to understand my own reading.
Marcus Aurelius was the Emperor of Rome from 161--180 A.D. During the years he was absent from Rome leading wars against barbarian invaders, he set down his own thoughts during his moments of repose. His thoughts were appropriately titled "To Himself"; although they have come down to us under the more usual title of "Meditations". Marcus Aurelius never intended the publication of this work. As C.R. Haines states at the outset of his introduction to his edition: "It is not known how this small but priceless book of private devotional memoranda came to be preserved for posterity. But the writer that in it puts away all desire for after-fame has by means of it attained to imperishable remembrance."
I think it is important in the reading of this book to remember that it is Marcus Aurelius communing with himself in his position of Emperor. The reader will need to understand the book as an exercise in self-reflection to allow the book to work on his or her own capacity for self-reflection.
The book is in short, repetitive paragraphs and should not, with the exception of the opening chapter, be read as a discursive, continuous argument. Because Marcus Aurelius did not intend his reflections for publication, the language sometimes is crabbed and concise and needs effort to read. This assists in thinking through with the Emperor to the heart of what he has to say.
Marcus Aurelius teaches a philosophy that is usually described as stoicism which teaches control of the emotions and the subjection of the passions to what he describes as reason. For Marcus Aurelius the reason in each person is part of the overriding reason that pervades the cosmos. Marcus Aurelius teaches restraint, thought, modesty, friendliness and love to all, humility, a counsel against the quest for fame, and bravery and acceptance in the face of sorrow, pain and death. He teaches the need to perform the duties of one's position in life, without regret or complaint or ambition, as Marcus Aurelius himself, as it happened, was called upon to perform the duties of Roman Emperor. His teaching is eclectic and relies on Plato and Heraclitus in particular in addition to his stoic mentors, specifically the Greek slave Epictetus.
I read this book when young and it has been many years before I have returned to it. It is a good book to read in small sections. I read much of it over several weeks while commuting back and forth on the Metro. The book also serves to put one's mind in the proper framework and perspective for the world of work.
The Loeb edition of this much-translated work is valuable because of its small size, the perceptive introduction by Haines and most importantly because it includes the original Greek on facing pages. This may seem unnecessary to the many people who would benefit from reading Marcus Aurelius who do not know Greek. I find it valuable to see and to read the original text in a language which, likewise, I studied briefly many years ago.
This is a great and lasting book. Wherever you may be in life, you will enjoy it and benefit from it.
Robin Friedman
November 30, 2008
Great piece of classical literature.
March 13, 2019
Todo lo que se conserva de los escritos, dichos y discursos del emperador Marco Aurelio (AD 121-180) se encuentra contenido en este libro. Destacan sobre todo los 12 libros de "Lo dirigido a mí mismo" [ ΤΩΝ ΕΙΣ ΕΑΥΤΟΝ ], obra conocida también por los títulos "Meditaciones" o "Soliloquios", que compendian la forma en que el autor entendía la filosofía estoica y cómo aplicar esta para vivir (bien) de acuerdo con la Naturaleza.
En estos libros pueden encontrarse ecos de Epicteto que parecen resonar en Sartre ("Nadie puede robarnos nuestra libre elección", XI, 36), de Heráclito que parecen anticipar a Nietzsche y su 'eterno retorno' ("[Y] abarca la Regeneración cíclica de todas las cosas, [de modo que] nuestros hijos no verán nada nuevo, al igual que nuestros padres no vieron más que nosotros." XI, 1); así como varias instancias que buscan colocar a la Razón natural "por encima del dolor y del placer" (VIII, 8), limitando "nuestra acción o inacción a las necesidades de nuestra constitución propia." (VI, 16). Esto, toda vez que "[i]nvestido en el alma está el poder para vivir la más noble de la vidas: ser indiferente ante las cosas indiferentes." (XI, 16).
El volumen , editado y traducido con sumo cuidado por C.R. Haines (1876-1935) para la Loeb Classical Library, cuenta con sendas introducciones a la vida de Marco Aurelio y a la filosofía estoica; cerrando además con un estudio filológico que repasa la polémica postura del emperador hacia los cristianos. Para mí, una obra filosófica imperdible.
En estos libros pueden encontrarse ecos de Epicteto que parecen resonar en Sartre ("Nadie puede robarnos nuestra libre elección", XI, 36), de Heráclito que parecen anticipar a Nietzsche y su 'eterno retorno' ("[Y] abarca la Regeneración cíclica de todas las cosas, [de modo que] nuestros hijos no verán nada nuevo, al igual que nuestros padres no vieron más que nosotros." XI, 1); así como varias instancias que buscan colocar a la Razón natural "por encima del dolor y del placer" (VIII, 8), limitando "nuestra acción o inacción a las necesidades de nuestra constitución propia." (VI, 16). Esto, toda vez que "[i]nvestido en el alma está el poder para vivir la más noble de la vidas: ser indiferente ante las cosas indiferentes." (XI, 16).
El volumen , editado y traducido con sumo cuidado por C.R. Haines (1876-1935) para la Loeb Classical Library, cuenta con sendas introducciones a la vida de Marco Aurelio y a la filosofía estoica; cerrando además con un estudio filológico que repasa la polémica postura del emperador hacia los cristianos. Para mí, una obra filosófica imperdible.
January 12, 2012
"It is a man's especial privilege to love even those who stumble. And this love follows as soon as thou reflectest that they are of kin to thee and that they do wrong involuntary an through ignorance." I think that all should read this book, it is kin to Confucius, Plato and the many great thinkers of our day. The reflections he pens onto paper carry deep into my soul, and then I want to be a better person.
October 5, 2011
In his Meditations, Marcus Aurelius shows himself to be a philosopher-king in the mold of that envisioned centuries earlier by Plato in his Republic. A wonderful read for anyone interested in leadership on any level.
As with any classical work, Harvard's Loeb Classical Library edition is the best - featuring the original Greek or Latin (in this case the former) on one page and its English translation on the facing page.
As with any classical work, Harvard's Loeb Classical Library edition is the best - featuring the original Greek or Latin (in this case the former) on one page and its English translation on the facing page.
August 28, 2015
This is another important text on ethics that everyone should read. Marcus Aurelius' text provides many useful axioms to live by that could have been picked right out of the book of Proverbs. The only drawback to it is that since Marcus Aurelius only wrote it for his own reflections, it is a little bit more difficult for modern readers to read it. Some of his words seems to have been meant to have a special significance only to him. Otherwise a great text on everyday ethics.
February 13, 2011
My introduction to Stoicism, Marcus is one of the Big Three, and this is probably the most popular work of Stoicism throughout history. Meant to be a private journal and published only after the Roman emperor's death, this book of notes to himself gives us a glimpse of the inner thoughts of what many consider to be the truest philosopher-king.
February 19, 2017
Change is the universal experience.
"I am made up of the casual and the material, and neither of these disappears into nothing just as neither did it come into existence out of nothing...so shall my every part by change be told off to firm some part of the universe, and that again be changed into another part of it, and so on to infinity."
"I am made up of the casual and the material, and neither of these disappears into nothing just as neither did it come into existence out of nothing...so shall my every part by change be told off to firm some part of the universe, and that again be changed into another part of it, and so on to infinity."
August 11, 2010
Common sense, compassion, humility, honor. A man long dead who left a legacy that will live forever in his words.
April 16, 2020
Marcus Aurelius's character is admirable; his intellect, less so.
July 29, 2021
NOTE: I'd like to share this review of Meditations by my friend Tracy Lee Kimball, who is incarcerated in Texas. You can email him through JPAY.COM or write:
Tracy Lee Kendall (#875004)
Stiles Unit (TDCJ)
3060 FM3514
Beaumont, TX 77705
Only solid white paper and envelopes are allowed, and no greeting cards (sigh).
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL REVIEW OF MEDITATIONS
by Tracy Lee Kendall
What do words from the past offer us today? Anything to improve tomorrow? Or do old words merely serve as history? The answers depend upon whose words are considered and acted upon. Today, we murder each other in streets filled with hazards that threaten to extinguish a future with any life whatsoever. And while politicians debate rhetoric shouted from podiums around the world, what are the results? Seldom anything, and often the same murder and anger continue igniting our streets and scarring our capitals. As for tomorrow? To satisfy the greed of those mostly aloof, it seems fifty or a hundred years of tomorrows are conveniently projected until we might stop poisoning our planet.
In the Post-Truth Era, many people frozen into rhetorical allegiance have forgotten how to reflect upon themselves and the Big Picture. Perhaps words from a past Roman emperor may offer solutions. Why? Because they provide counterpoints to rigid “bipolarization” (i.e., bipolar effects of modern rhetorical sects), prejudices, greed, and non-critical thinking, extinguishing life under an ocean of toxins and hate in this Post-Truth Era. The Emperor was Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (121-180; r. 161-180), often considered the last of the five “good” Roman emperors (and portrayed in “Gladiator”). His words are those in the classic, Meditations.
Reviews of Meditations often focus upon academic criticisms, and while these are vital for many reasons, the priority herein is upon solutions applicable to modern problems. How can Marcus’ insights about the universe, relationships, people, and thinking to help us improve lives and contribute to a better—or even tomorrow’s—potential? This review encourages thought leading to action for individual and collective betterment, compassion, and survival.
The opinion that the first of the twelve books comprising Meditations was originally an appendix seems overrated. This is because, aside from Book 1 being a list of teachers, Book 2 begins “at daybreak,” and Book 12 ends with departure (i.e., death). Thus, the classic embodies Marcus’ insights throughout his life, and encourages readers to reflect upon their lives as well. Similarly, the Greek title (literally, Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, the Emperor, to Himself) elicits self-reflection. Indeed, change begins with oneself, and Marcus saw everything—individually and collectively—as change; and the classic can be seen as a life-long reflection in the midst of change necessary to preserve the universe (2.3; 4.3, 14; 9.19).
Marcus perceived the nature of the universe as one of cyclical change from a singular substance, expanding into a mutually interdependent and sacred tapestry of everything—atoms to stars—and back, working together for universal benefit (2.3; 4.3.2; 4.23; 6.38, 43; 7.9; 9.19, 28). This “orderly conjunction of contraries” also included fortune providence, souls, gods, elements, the unknown, and the freedom to question any of it (2.3; 4.3.2; 4.21 .1 -2; 7.32; 1 2.5). So there is found an open-minded paradigm that leaves room for other perspectives and possibilities and in which everything—even opposites—works together for the common good. Moreover, going against this paradigm equated to being a “malignant growth” in the universe (2.16). Such a paradigm offers a welcome alternative to the rhetorical bipolarization and prejudices that catalyze actions that continue to destroy us and our world.
Although the natural paradigm in Meditations offers a universal foundation for acceptance and progress, Marcus’ initial priority is relationships upholding the paradigm (2.1). This is not surprising, for Marcus saw the ideal life as an active vocation of virtue rather than a mere philosophical perspective (4.25; 8.32; 10.16; 11 .5). Accordingly, a universal cooperative is observed in which to hate others obstructs the flow of nature itself (2.1). Given the current prejudices and bipolarization that divide people today, it can be challenging to engage in a life requiring harmony with those who may partly or wholly repulse us.
For example, Marcus eschewed rhetoric, idealized neither tyranny nor slavery, and loved truth, justice, and family (1.7, 14; 4.31). Nonetheless, he also eschewed poetry, accepted tyranny and slavery as societal norms, and appreciated sexist households (1.7, 9, 16.8; 12.36). This evokes a dilemma we face today when encountering mixtures of positives and negatives: do we throw it all away, or do we evolve past it by using the positives and learning from the negatives? Tyranny, slavery, and sexism have existed in the past of nearly every people, religion, and older institution. Do we erase them all from history books and museums and demolish their buildings? Because that “them” is mostly “us”—all of us, in the context of being our peoples and institutions. Or do we recognize the ancestors of every people on the face of the Earth as products of their times who offered both contributions and impediments to progress, and warnings about what to avoid? Marcus’ answer to that seems to be in his willingness to examine oneself and proactively make changes where necessary (1.7; 5.11). Similarly, collective progress has occurred along with a past of changing for the better. Still, erasing knowledge leaves us without reference points to determine integrity, depriving us of vital insights.
In Meditations, relationships are defined in three contexts: one’s vessel, the cause/universe/nature, and those around us (2.3; 4.23, 41; 7.5; 8.27). As a vessel, each person contains an essential core (2.13). For Marcus, philosophy equated to the active pursuit of nurturing this core by maintaining its purity, integrity, self-control, truth, sincerity, dependability, contentment, and impartiality concerning the inevitability of death (2.17; 3.16.2; 8.45). Rather than solely an object to be nurtured, the core reciprocates as a guide identical with reason and intelligence (3.3.2; 5.27). Consequently, this makes for a person who is intelligent, calm, peaceful, kind, loving, honest, honorable, happy, and content in all conditions, self-controlled, orderly, rational, modest, courageous, forgiving, civic, and free of hate, complaints, suspicion, and ill will (1.1 -3; 3.7, 12; 7.22, 26; 12.3). With more people such as this, how much less would the world suffer?
END OF PART ONE
Tracy Lee Kendall (#875004)
Stiles Unit (TDCJ)
3060 FM3514
Beaumont, TX 77705
Only solid white paper and envelopes are allowed, and no greeting cards (sigh).
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL REVIEW OF MEDITATIONS
by Tracy Lee Kendall
What do words from the past offer us today? Anything to improve tomorrow? Or do old words merely serve as history? The answers depend upon whose words are considered and acted upon. Today, we murder each other in streets filled with hazards that threaten to extinguish a future with any life whatsoever. And while politicians debate rhetoric shouted from podiums around the world, what are the results? Seldom anything, and often the same murder and anger continue igniting our streets and scarring our capitals. As for tomorrow? To satisfy the greed of those mostly aloof, it seems fifty or a hundred years of tomorrows are conveniently projected until we might stop poisoning our planet.
In the Post-Truth Era, many people frozen into rhetorical allegiance have forgotten how to reflect upon themselves and the Big Picture. Perhaps words from a past Roman emperor may offer solutions. Why? Because they provide counterpoints to rigid “bipolarization” (i.e., bipolar effects of modern rhetorical sects), prejudices, greed, and non-critical thinking, extinguishing life under an ocean of toxins and hate in this Post-Truth Era. The Emperor was Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (121-180; r. 161-180), often considered the last of the five “good” Roman emperors (and portrayed in “Gladiator”). His words are those in the classic, Meditations.
Reviews of Meditations often focus upon academic criticisms, and while these are vital for many reasons, the priority herein is upon solutions applicable to modern problems. How can Marcus’ insights about the universe, relationships, people, and thinking to help us improve lives and contribute to a better—or even tomorrow’s—potential? This review encourages thought leading to action for individual and collective betterment, compassion, and survival.
The opinion that the first of the twelve books comprising Meditations was originally an appendix seems overrated. This is because, aside from Book 1 being a list of teachers, Book 2 begins “at daybreak,” and Book 12 ends with departure (i.e., death). Thus, the classic embodies Marcus’ insights throughout his life, and encourages readers to reflect upon their lives as well. Similarly, the Greek title (literally, Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, the Emperor, to Himself) elicits self-reflection. Indeed, change begins with oneself, and Marcus saw everything—individually and collectively—as change; and the classic can be seen as a life-long reflection in the midst of change necessary to preserve the universe (2.3; 4.3, 14; 9.19).
Marcus perceived the nature of the universe as one of cyclical change from a singular substance, expanding into a mutually interdependent and sacred tapestry of everything—atoms to stars—and back, working together for universal benefit (2.3; 4.3.2; 4.23; 6.38, 43; 7.9; 9.19, 28). This “orderly conjunction of contraries” also included fortune providence, souls, gods, elements, the unknown, and the freedom to question any of it (2.3; 4.3.2; 4.21 .1 -2; 7.32; 1 2.5). So there is found an open-minded paradigm that leaves room for other perspectives and possibilities and in which everything—even opposites—works together for the common good. Moreover, going against this paradigm equated to being a “malignant growth” in the universe (2.16). Such a paradigm offers a welcome alternative to the rhetorical bipolarization and prejudices that catalyze actions that continue to destroy us and our world.
Although the natural paradigm in Meditations offers a universal foundation for acceptance and progress, Marcus’ initial priority is relationships upholding the paradigm (2.1). This is not surprising, for Marcus saw the ideal life as an active vocation of virtue rather than a mere philosophical perspective (4.25; 8.32; 10.16; 11 .5). Accordingly, a universal cooperative is observed in which to hate others obstructs the flow of nature itself (2.1). Given the current prejudices and bipolarization that divide people today, it can be challenging to engage in a life requiring harmony with those who may partly or wholly repulse us.
For example, Marcus eschewed rhetoric, idealized neither tyranny nor slavery, and loved truth, justice, and family (1.7, 14; 4.31). Nonetheless, he also eschewed poetry, accepted tyranny and slavery as societal norms, and appreciated sexist households (1.7, 9, 16.8; 12.36). This evokes a dilemma we face today when encountering mixtures of positives and negatives: do we throw it all away, or do we evolve past it by using the positives and learning from the negatives? Tyranny, slavery, and sexism have existed in the past of nearly every people, religion, and older institution. Do we erase them all from history books and museums and demolish their buildings? Because that “them” is mostly “us”—all of us, in the context of being our peoples and institutions. Or do we recognize the ancestors of every people on the face of the Earth as products of their times who offered both contributions and impediments to progress, and warnings about what to avoid? Marcus’ answer to that seems to be in his willingness to examine oneself and proactively make changes where necessary (1.7; 5.11). Similarly, collective progress has occurred along with a past of changing for the better. Still, erasing knowledge leaves us without reference points to determine integrity, depriving us of vital insights.
In Meditations, relationships are defined in three contexts: one’s vessel, the cause/universe/nature, and those around us (2.3; 4.23, 41; 7.5; 8.27). As a vessel, each person contains an essential core (2.13). For Marcus, philosophy equated to the active pursuit of nurturing this core by maintaining its purity, integrity, self-control, truth, sincerity, dependability, contentment, and impartiality concerning the inevitability of death (2.17; 3.16.2; 8.45). Rather than solely an object to be nurtured, the core reciprocates as a guide identical with reason and intelligence (3.3.2; 5.27). Consequently, this makes for a person who is intelligent, calm, peaceful, kind, loving, honest, honorable, happy, and content in all conditions, self-controlled, orderly, rational, modest, courageous, forgiving, civic, and free of hate, complaints, suspicion, and ill will (1.1 -3; 3.7, 12; 7.22, 26; 12.3). With more people such as this, how much less would the world suffer?
END OF PART ONE
March 16, 2022
Marcus Aurelius was de laatste van de 5 goede Romeinse keizers. Hij regeerde van 161-180 over het romeinse rijk. Terwijl hij in de jaren 170 op veldtocht was, schreef Marcus Aurelius toen 12 boeken die samen het boek meditaties vormen. Dit schreef hij als een manier om tot zelfkennis te komen en een middel tot zelfverbetering. Hij schreef dit werk in het Grieks, in die tijd de taal van de filosofie.
Het is een zeer interessant om te lezen wat Marcus Aurelius zijn blik op het leven is.
Het boek is vertaald in het oud Engels wat het een moeilijk boek maakt om te lezen en soms ook verwarrend. Maar als je de woorden kent brengt dit een grote variatie aan je Engelse woorden schat en maakt dit het ook interessanter om te lezen. Een tip is om een app te gebruiken zoals Kindle, want dan kan je gemakkelijk de woorden die je niet begrijpt opzoeken. Meditaties is een zeer realistisch boek waar Marcus Aurelius zijn blik op het leven vertelt zodat je meer zelfkennis, zelfverbetering bekomt.Het is wel een beetje van de hak op de tak geschreven waardoor het soms wat verwarrend word.
Het is zeker een aanrader als je je blik op het leven wil aanpassen. En meer tolereerbaar wilt zijn tegenover anderen. Het geeft als het waren een blik vanuit iemand anders zijn schoenen hoe hij denkt van de situatie en wat zijn mogelijkheden zijn.
Het is een zeer interessant om te lezen wat Marcus Aurelius zijn blik op het leven is.
Het boek is vertaald in het oud Engels wat het een moeilijk boek maakt om te lezen en soms ook verwarrend. Maar als je de woorden kent brengt dit een grote variatie aan je Engelse woorden schat en maakt dit het ook interessanter om te lezen. Een tip is om een app te gebruiken zoals Kindle, want dan kan je gemakkelijk de woorden die je niet begrijpt opzoeken. Meditaties is een zeer realistisch boek waar Marcus Aurelius zijn blik op het leven vertelt zodat je meer zelfkennis, zelfverbetering bekomt.Het is wel een beetje van de hak op de tak geschreven waardoor het soms wat verwarrend word.
Het is zeker een aanrader als je je blik op het leven wil aanpassen. En meer tolereerbaar wilt zijn tegenover anderen. Het geeft als het waren een blik vanuit iemand anders zijn schoenen hoe hij denkt van de situatie en wat zijn mogelijkheden zijn.
July 7, 2022
For a book I read for a class I truly didn't expect to like it all that much, but of the 6 philosophical works I read, this was by far my favorite. There was something about the way Marcus Aurelius presented his arguments on the philosophy with which he followed that made the book interesting. I found myself while reading often times being able to refer ideas being brought up to things I saw in my life. I hope to read more of his works.
September 2, 2021
Has some pretty good thoughts, but too many "self-evident truths", which are not discussed, only exposed. Quite frankly, reading the anciente Greek cynics is far more enlightening and entertaining, not to mention that those are the real OGs when it comes to stoics.
June 12, 2022
ESSENTIAL! book made me a man! rather a nice man.
some try to be, and this book probably helped.
i believe that this books can change anyone perspective on how to
relate to people in the best of ways.
a book from another time, that is so relevant always....
quick and easy read.
10/10
some try to be, and this book probably helped.
i believe that this books can change anyone perspective on how to
relate to people in the best of ways.
a book from another time, that is so relevant always....
quick and easy read.
10/10
March 7, 2023
Few works contain such an exhortation to virtue so eloquently expressed. While virtue, honor, and righteousness are today regarded little, I am thankful to Marcus Aurelius for a reminder that they are still worth pursuing, perhaps above all else, even now.
September 5, 2019
Toward ultimate solutions to modern life sufferings with stoic mindset from ancient world.
September 17, 2019
Life changing book!
March 23, 2009
The ultimate spokesman for the Ascetics in a readable, if somewhat formal-toned, translation, with the original Greek on each facing page. If you can learn from others' mistakes and experiences, here's an eloquent man who was as skilled and privileged with experience as any of his time.
August 2, 2011
actually i am reading the classics club edition / it's important to get the right translation (there is a barnes & noble version whose translation is completely at odds with the spirit of these writings) / a helpful book for learning how to (remembering how to) live among others
October 16, 2014
Reflections on the practical ethic of the later Stoa. Some Neo-Platonism on the matter of monism but there was no avoiding it during the second century, was there.
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