Amazon.com
One measure, perhaps, of a book's worth, is its intergenerational pliancy: do new readers acquire it and interpret it afresh down through the ages? The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, translated and introduced by Gregory Hays, by that standard, is very worthwhile, indeed. Hays suggests that its most recent incarnation--as a self-help book--is not only valid, but may be close to the author's intent. The book, which Hays calls, fondly, a "haphazard set of notes," is indicative of the role of philosophy among the ancients in that it is "expected to provide a 'design for living.'" And it does, both aphoristically ("Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now take what's left and live it properly.") and rhetorically ("What is it in ourselves that we should prize?"). Whether these, and other entries ("Enough of this wretched, whining monkey life.") sound life-changing or like entries in a teenager's diary is up to the individual reader, as it should be. Hays's introduction, which sketches the life of Marcus Aurelius (emperor of Rome A.D. 161-180) as well as the basic tenets of stoicism, is accessible and jaunty.--H. O'BillovichBook Description
A new translation of the philosophical journey that has inspired luminaries from Matthew Arnold to Bill Clinton

Written by an intellectual Roman emperor, the Meditations offer a wide range of spiritual reflections developed as the leader struggled to understand himself and the universe. Marcus Aurelius covers topics as diverse as the question of virtue, human rationality, the nature of the gods, and his own emotions, spanning from doubt and despair to conviction and exaltation.
* Includes an introduction, chronology, explanatory notes, general index, index of quotations, and index of namesDownload Description
A timeless classic of wisdom by a enlightened Roman Emperor who was one of the great minds of history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (100)

Got Any Better Advice?
Book 2, paragraph 7:"Do things from outside break in to distract you? Give yourself a time of quiet to learn some new good thing and cease to wander out of your course. But, when you have done that, be on your guard against a second kind of wandering. For those who are sick to death in life, with no mark on which they direct every impulse or in general every imagination, are triflers, not in words only but also in their deeds."

One long look at the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius in Rome - discovered intact in the Tiber 1700 years after his death - shows you a man too wise, too humane, and too busy to found another mystery-cult religion. Thankfully.

Emperors book of wisdom
This book will give you the rare opportunity to read a book of wisdom written by a Roman Emperor. Marcus Aurelius was a well liked emperor you lived from 120 A.D. to 180 A.D. ruling in the late part of his life. The book's theme is to live your life in balance with the universe. Do your duty and fulfill the role the "Gods" put you on earth to do. Let reason be your master always doing what is beneficial to all. Do not sin because you only sin against yourself. Why worry about correcting others behaviors when you have so much uncompleted work to do on yourself. If you enjoy reading Plato, Epictetus, or philosophy in general I know you will enjoy reading this book, it is truly packed with wisdom and will take you back to Roman times and let you see how the wise among them thought before the dark ages and modern religion came on the stage of civilization. Very interesting read.

Many lumps of incense on the same altar, one crumbles now, one later, but it makes no difference.
This translation of the Meditations is by far the best stylistically. Marcus never intended for his journals (which is what the Meditations are) to be published and was writing to himself. Why would someone writing to themselves write in a technical manner reminiscent of a modern philosophical treatise? Why? Because that was the style in which ancient philosophy was translated in the early 20th century.

Marcus scolds those who obsess over rhetoric, grammar, syllogisms and logic crunching within the Meditations and for a very clear reason: he is concerned with a human message, primarily centered around ethics and pursuit of virtue, not any abstract theorizing common to the pretensions of imitation philosophy. It is absurd to assume Marcus would have wrote to himself in such a lofty, holier-than-thou, technical and abstract fashion (see: the "standard" George Long translation). It is more likely that Marcus would have been influenced by the language of Epictetus, and if the Discourses and Enchiridion as relayed by Arrian are any clue, the language of Stoicism at this time was quite accessible to the common reason.

Hays offers a natural translation of the Meditations with immediacy, warmness, humanity and stunning beauty, truly bringing to life the eternal wisdom of the philosopher king. Marcus' words are presented in an almost poetic fashion which inspires the reader to greatness and contemplation in pondering the core themes of transience, goodness and service.

The type of man Marcus was, and the type of virtue he advocated, is sorely missing in today's society. Prudence, temperance, fortitude and justice as character traits seem to be gone from the world and only found in the writings of dead Greeks and Romans. But in reading these texts the virtues are reborn, as is the "Greek lifestyle" of austerity, civic duty and integrity, at least in the mind and heart of the reader.

The Meditations is all about how to endure the stresses of the world while coming out on top of them even stronger than before, and even more excellent. I found Marcus' words to be a godsend in times of hopelessnessand longing as I discovered that the things which caused me grief were only temporary in nature, were outside of my control, or were irrelevant considering the immense scope of the cosmos (time) and our minute proportion of it.

Meditations
In Plato's Republic, Socrates discusses the possibility of a philosopher king; that is, a person who would rule in a way that is just, because their thoughts and desires are outgrowths of their philosophical ideologies.Socrates suggests that this would be the best of all possible rulers - and, of course, the implication is that Plato would be this greatest ruler, because the philosophy a ruler 'should' follow, was Plato's.Marcus Aurelius was Emperor of Rome from 161 A.D. until his death in 180 A.D.He was the last of the five great Emperors who ruled Rome during a period which Edward Gibbon, writing his magnificent The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, described as the time when the world was at its happiest and most prosperous.He was not, as far as anyone else knew, a philosopher - he was simply (and sufficiently) a proficient Emperor, an able ruler, a good statesmen.And yet, in those quiet moments of leisure when he was able to take off the mantle of Emperor, Marcus Aurelius composed some of the most important works of Stoic philosophy.A series of meditations, exercises for himself, admonitions to himself, exhortations of how to be a better person.

What is immediately clear about Aurelius' Meditations is that they were written for an intimate audience of one.There is no grandstanding or pompous declarations of power or influence.There are no revelations or secrets or negative comments about current affairs.Whatever Marcus Aurelius' thoughts on the world outside himself, we are left mostly in the dark for this work.Rather, what he has done - or aims to do - is to intimately examine himself, to highlight his flaws and to recognise, but not always praise, his positive qualities.Most importantly, the Meditations are just that - a collection of thoughts, concepts, ideas and moral positions which Aurelius wishes to follow at all times.It is a handbook to himself on how best to live his life.

Two strains of thought which run through almost every page of the Meditations is first, the responsibility of a person's actions, and second, the concept of death.In Book 5, Aurelius writes, 'Another does wrong.What is that to me?Let him see to it: he has his own disposition, his own action.I have now what universal nature wishes me to have now, and I do what my own nature wishes me to do now.'Personal responsibility is an important theme for Aurelius, but more than that, he requires a constant awareness within himself that while he is responsible for his own actions, he is not responsible for the actions of others, and should not let himself be affected by their bad deeds.He writes that if a man smells bad, it does no good to get angry.Rather, what should be done is to calmly inform the person, and then leave the matter in their hands.If they change and improve themselves, you have done your duty.If not, your duty has still been done - the fault remains with the other person.This concept of the self's responsibility for the self is an interesting one when taken into interactions with others.If we are to examine our feelings, does it really make sense for us to become angry at the folly of another?Surely, as Aurelius states, it is best simply to help them as much as we can, and then leave the choice of being angry or upset to them.What have we to be angry for?Nothing, if we live our lives the best way we can.

A second major thought is death.Aurelius reminds himself that death is something that will happen to everyone, and thus should not be feared.'Think of the whole of existence, of which you are the tiniest part; think of the whole of time, in which you have been assigned a brief and fleeting moment; think of destiny - what fraction of that are you?'And again: 'How many who once rose to fame are now consigned to oblivion: and how many who sang their fame are long disappeared.'Marcus Aurelius writes to remind himself that fame, no matter how glorious, begins to fade the moment death takes you away - and sometimes before.He believed death to be either a cessation of thought, which meant it wouldn't matter to you once you were dead, or an alteration of consciousness (ie Heaven), which meant the current consciousness - your current life - would not matter then, either.Thus, the important thing to do with yourself is to be the best and most noble person you can be.'The best revenge is not to be like your enemy.'

It is important to remember that the man who wrote these words was arguably the most powerful man in the world at the time.That he could rule the greatest Empire the world had yet seen, and still write with such modesty and grace, is something truly admirable.He calls for the moral life, the good life, and is constantly chastening himself to live the way he knows is best.As these works were most likely never intended for publication, they can and should be seen as Aurelius stripping himself of all physical and temporal difficulties to concern his mind purely and only with what is truly important.That he was able to explore himself with such honesty, and write with such clarity, is nothing short of astonishing.Each page contains short passages of great wisdom, alongside longer paragraphs of thought that tower above the carefully crafted citadel of morality which concerns most of the work.

The Penguin Classic edition of this work contains one hundred and thirty pages of notes, an index of names and an index of quotations, as well as a general index.These indexes offer the non-specialist reader a wealth of information regarding the scattered quotes and references that populate Aurelius' text.It is the notes section, however, that truly shines.Each of the twelve books of the Meditations are summarised and explained, and then the more difficult concepts and allusions are further detailed.Thus, a curious reader is able to read the explanation, while a scholar or student has, in the same book, detailed references and starting points for further research.Complimentary to that is a fine introduction by Diskin Clay, who gives an overview of Marcus Aurelius' life and times.

The Meditations is very short, at one hundred and twenty-two pages.Each book is roughly ten pages, with most of the writings being only a few lines.What this means is that it is a remarkably easy work to pick up and put down, and coupled with the directness and elegance of his writing, the Meditations becomes a novel that could easily serve as a companion for life.Marcus Aurelius' writing is not directed towards a race or class or gender or temperament, rather, it is directed inwards, at the mind and the soul, two fundamental aspects of humanity we all possess.It is somewhat trite to say that there is 'something for everything' within a work, but in the case of the Meditations, it is true.Read this book and find solace in the work of an elegant mind and a worthy outlook on life.

that's what a classic is for
There are 4 books to the New Testament.I would never even wish to add on to this but a person would have to be equally as greatful to those"Dark Age" monks who translated and preserved alot of the classical works,in this case the Meditations.The Roman spirit of renunciation is well preserved in this translation.Although some of the passages don't seem to make sense(probably because of translation from the original tongue).Too much stress is placed on the Roman military achievement,in fact they conquered more with their philosophy of life.When the mind is persuaded the next step in conquest is more easily achieved.This Roman emperor seems like a guy you could talk sense with over a cup of a good red wine.Matter of fact I think I'll go talk to him now!!and.........one swig i'll dedicate to the Christian monks who preserved his meditations.(maybe two) ... Read more

Book Description
This inaugural-and all new-Tarcher Cornerstone Edition presents a stunningly relevant and reliable translation of the thoughts and aphorisms of the Stoic philosopher and Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, properly placing the philosopher-king's writings within the vein of the world's great religious and ethical traditions.

The late antique world possessed no voice like that of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE). His private meditations on what constitutes a good life have withstood the centuries and reach us today with the same penetrating clarity and shining light as the words of Shakespeare, Emerson, or Thoreau.

In this remarkable new translation, bestselling religious philosopher Jacob Needleman and classics scholar John P. Piazza have retained the depth of Marcus's perspective on life. They have carefully selected and faithfully rendered those passages that clarify Marcus's role as someone who stood within the great religious and ethical traditions that extend throughout every culture in human history. The voice that emerges from their translation is a universal one, equally recognizable to students of Christ, Buddha, the Vedas, the Talmud, and to anyone who sincerely searches for a way of meaning in contemporary life. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (4)

A book to keep nearby
The wisdom and down to earth common sense of Marcus Aurelius as recorded in these books is worth returning to again and again. Of all the translations of the Meditations I've encountered, I found this particular translation offered by Watkins to be the one I find easiest to relate to and put into "shoe leather" as I walk thru my daily life.

Always loved his quotes
"Time is like a river of passing events and strong is its current.No sooner is a thing brought to sight than it is swept away and another takes its place and this too will be swept away."I read that many years ago and wanted to read and know more about the man who wrote it.Everyone should read his meditations.He never wrote them for publishing purposes.He only wrote them for himself...his thoughts.They are very profound and wise and timeless.I recommend this book highly.

Ageless Eloquence
The writtings of Marcus Aurelius have been an inspiration to countless persons since it was origionally written. This edition takes a portions of the complete Meditations writtings and brings out the very spiritual side of the collection. I would recomend this work to any person looking for inspiration , or spirituality.

Read it , live it !
Simplistic samples of a way to live by a man who lived 2000 years ago. A life changing book .If you read it you will be affected by it and it will better your way of life. ... Read more

Book Description
Stoicism is often portrayed as a cheerless, stiff-upper-lip philosophy of suffering and doom. Yet as experienced through the thoughtful and penetrating writings of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE), the Stoic approach to life is surprisingly rich, nuanced, clear-eyed and friendly.

With facing-page commentary that explains the texts for you, Russell McNeil, PhD, guides you through key passages from Aurelius's Meditations, comprised of the emperor's collected personal journal entries, to uncover the startlingly modern relevance his words have today. From devotion to family and duty to country, to a near-prophetic view of the natural world that aligns with modern physics, Aurelius's words speak as potently today as they did two millennia ago.

Now you can discover the tenderness, intelligence and honesty of Aurelius's writings with no previous background in philosophy or the classics. This SkyLight Illuminations edition offers insightful and engaging commentary that explains the historical background of Stoicism, as well as the ways this ancient philosophical system can offer psychological and spiritual insight into your contemporary life. You will be encouraged to explore and challenge Aurelius's ideas of what makes a fulfilling life--and in so doing you may discover new ways of perceiving happiness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An awesomebook!
I have read numerous self-help books over the years, as well as several books on the pursuit of happiness, but none have ever spoken to me the way this book has. The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius brings Marcus Aurelius back to life. The annotations are well explained which make the meditations easy to understand. This is a must read for anyone who is in search of a better quality of life. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (6)

2,000 Years of Relevancy
My father once told me: "Most men lead lives of quiet desperation." It wasn't until I achieved manhood that I realized my father had failed to attribute that bit of wisdom to Henry David Thoreau, and that he'd left the quote incomplete -- "and go to the grave with the song still in them."

In Marcus Aurelius: The Dialogues, Alan Stedall brings Marcus Aurelius's principle-centered convictions into the 21st century through a fictional account of how he imagined a discussion amid Aurelius, Galen, a well-known Hellenic surgeon, and Harnouphis, an Egyptian high priest of Isis, might unfold. The important aspects of this imaginary dialogue take place in chapter four: On the brevity of life and the need to seek meaning, during which it is debated whether an unreflective life is worth living. Chapter five: On the pursuit of purpose, during which the three speculate on the greater good that each man contributes to society... "It follows that a life led without social purpose is, from the perspective of one's fellow man, worthless." Chapter six: On the Supreme Good, puts forth the concept of seeking above all else, peace of mind, or, "the spirit at rest. Once this treasure is our complete possession, no loss of fortune, wealth or health can trouble us. Death itself will not disturb us: we will see it as the false menace it is." Chapter seven: On the pursuit of the virtuous life, we learn that "the condition of each man's soul is his own responsibility."

To live our lives according to each single tenant -- to seek meaning for our life, a purpose for our contribution to society, peace of mind, and to live a virtuous life -- is a tall order, and I imagine few men ever achieve all four. I struggle daily with all of them, and have only come close to achieving one or another of them singly, never in complete concert with the others -- my life more closely resembles Thoreau's adage.

Although Stedall presents Aurelius's Stoic philosophy as tempered by strong humanistic beliefs, it is difficult to imagine anyone in our society refraining from imposing moral judgments on people and events outside our control, or exerting discipline in order to achieve peace of mind. Aurelius puts forth that "pride is an invidious threat to our moral character. It puffs us up with vanity and encourages us to conduct ourselves not in pursuit of our own best nature but to gain the flattery and approval of others. Praise, or the lack of it, does nothing to add to or subtract from the essential beauty or virtue of an object." I struggled with this, as I am prone to struggle against many extremes -- who among us doesn't benefit in some small way from the approval of others, whether a parent, a spouse or a boss? Does a child not yet capable of language respond better to praise and approval, or indifference? Yet I can't deny that most of us today could stand to acquire a large dose of humility.

Aurelius: "The judgments of others are fickle. Today's acclaimed hero will soon be cast down by public opinion as yesterday's fool or villain," adding, "Above all, we must hold fast to the admonition: `To thine own self be true.'" As true today as it was in Aurelius's time, or Shakespeare's, who I always suspected was a plagiarist.

In our over-medicated society we tend to deny that pain is a natural condition of life; here, too, we can learn from Aurelius: "It is inevitable and natural that our hearts will grieve when we suffer the loss of those that we hold dear... I hold that to attempt to deny such suffering is both false and pointless... However... we can still thank the gods for having first blessed us with our loved ones, and for the time they were granted to us; in this way may we yet find some degree of solace."

Yet it is in the appendix that Stedall shows the true relevance of Aurelius's beliefs on our modern world:

Today's liberal Western society is besotted with materialism. Self-seeking avarice receives authoritative approval as a state creed, and so is the only basis for acceptable moral behavior that presently exists. Yet we all recognize that the planet itself cannot sustain unrestrained personal greed into the medium term. We all know that the resources to sustain an unreservedly selfish way of life simply do not exist. Our lack of concern for the effects on future generations will create an ecological desert.

I won't descry Marcus Aurelius for his beliefs, even as I struggle to find my own way, and to release the song within me; but I will say these "meditations" gave me pause for my own reflections, and perhaps they will take seed, as I hope. To those who would discount them on the premise they are out of date, mores the pity: if more of us were willing to look into the past, and to learn from those who have gone before us, I suspect the world would be a much better place in which to live.

Recommended.

A Dialogue Over the Ages
I knew within a few lines this was going to be treasure. The kind of book that demands a pencil in one hand, checking off this, underlining that. These are words I want to remember. Yes, Stedall is a word master, and without any cheap tricks or somersaults, he had me instantly intrigued. Outlining his personal search in the Introduction for that eternal question we all surely ask (or should) about the meaning of life, Stedall ponders what Marcus Aurelius might have said on the matter. Called "one of five good Roman Emperors" (AD 121-180), Marcus Aurelius was known for his philosophical Meditations, a treatise he had written about his own search for meaning, for the definition of right and wrong without religious constraint, and for the value of a good man. Centuries later, author Alan Stedall finds himself pondering these same questions, wishes the Roman emperor had written more about his own answers, then imagines what those answers might have been had he been overheard discussing such matters among his closest confidantes. This slender volume is the result of these imaginings.

To have a value system means that first we must examine our lives with an unflinching inner eye. Stedall had been attracted to Marcus Aurelius' Meditations for their "vigorous engagement in life" rather than living a life by default, and by his reputation for being a good man, yet not made so by a faith outside of himself. Without a divine power handing down to us a series of commandments to follow, defining good and right, can these concepts still exist? If we have no fear of hell and no desire for heaven, only a wish to live a life of value, what might those values be? What makes a good man good?

"Increasing the richness of the tapestry of one's understanding must inevitably increase the comfort (or discomfort) or our awareness of the material world. Knowledge, therefore, is not only power but, of its nature, it modifies action and behavior."

You cannot know and not respond to that knowing. Even to do "nothing" with one's newly acquired knowledge, or awareness, was, after all, a choice, a decision made and acted upon. But any knowledge adds richness to life, and so I read on, this engaging series of discussions of a somewhat fictionalized Roman emperor in friendly debate with his friends and military comrades. From chapters headed "On the Brevity of Life and the Need to Seek Meaning," "On the Pursuit of Purpose," "On the Supreme Good," and "On the Pursuit of the Virtuous Life," I was drawn deeper and deeper into the simple but solid reasoning.

But what of value? If we have purpose, and we have blessing, what do we value? As for those who value nothing, Aurelius remarks pointedly: "If nothing is valued, one does not risk losing anything of value. However, it seems to me that this philosophy promotes an unbecoming lack of engagement with life, a general retreat from life. Indeed, such a philosophy would perhaps hold it best not be born in the first place... engagement places us at risk of disappointment in our endeavors, and grief at our loss of persons and things we love, but this is theprice we pay for being born with natural gifts and accompanying obligations."

A life well-lived is not measured by success in our endeavors, in fact, but in the endeavoring itself. It is the journey, and not the destination. It is the process, and not the end result. The blessing that does not perish is what comes from a life so lived, and is, finally, unscathed by success as modern society would measure it.

Now Aurelius sinks his teeth into the meat of the issue: values. And from those values - morals. He does so with no holds barred.

"The judgments of others are fickle. Today's acclaimed hero will soon be cast down by public opinion as yesterday's fool or villain. The only judgment we need to consider is that of our own conscience... If others conduct themselves badly, so be it. The condition of each man's soul is his own responsibility."

If any reader thinks that is letting you off easy - no burning hell fires to consume the wrongdoer - think again. There is no harsher master than one's own conscience, certainly not when one has a working mind. It sees all, and it forgives nothing. Aurelius (that is, Stedall) takes on the dissection of good and evil here, and it is fascinating to watch the concepts take shape without various religious laws to fall back upon. He does it skillfully, with reason as his tool of precision, and there are few things more beautiful than logic falling neatly into place like an intricate puzzle. There is room here for pain, and there is room for tragedy. That inevitable question of "why me?" is addressed as well. Joy has its place, and so does peace, as each sends out ripples to begin another ripple in neat succession.

By end of Epilogue, I could only applaud: Bravo!

~abridged from "The Smoking Poet," literary ezine, Summer 2007 Issue

Marcus Aurelius: The Dialogues by Alan Stedall
If your interest is Marcus Aurelius, this is the most accessible and entertaining place to start. In one easy read you will have grasped the essence of his philosophy, as well as its political Roman background.

And if you are trying to get to grips with your life this is definitely the book for you. It is the author Alan Stedall's personal quest for meaning in life, which nowadays many people find difficult to get from formal religion.

Fascinated by the collection of jottings which are the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, he has used these as the basis of a complete philosophy of life, an answer to his search for truth. This is all cleverly presented in dialogue form (inspired by Plato's Socratic Dialogues), the other four speakers who reflect alternative points of view being real historical characters.

Don't fear being in for a hard read. These conversations bring profound ideas to life and give them an immediacy, with touches of humour, that carry you along on an increasingly uplifting journey. The book is very, very readable and once you have finished it I guarantee you will never forget it.

Captivating!
The more you read ,the more you want to learn and understand.
Excellent work Alan .

Words to live by
Although "The Dialogues" is a small book, it is packed full of philosophical questions that Man has asked over the ages; questions about the reason for our being, the definition of Divinity, our responsabilities as human being towards others.Alan Stedall, an admirer of Marcus Aurelius and a man seaching for answers, manages to take Marcus Aurelius's "Meditations" and place them in a setting that brings them together in a sensible fashion.He brings to the forefront the question ethic behavior and the need for spirituality in our daily lives.The book is a quick read, yet the reader feels satisfied at the end.While our questions remain, there is a glimmer of hope for Man, whether or not there is anything more after our life in this world. ... Read more

Book Description

Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE), Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, born at Rome, received training under his guardian and uncle emperor Antoninus Pius (reigned 138-161), who adopted him. He was converted to Stoicism and henceforward studied and practised philosophy and law. A gentle man, he lived in agreement and collaboration with Antoninus Pius. He married Pius's daughter and succeeded him as emperor in March 161, sharing some of the burdens with Lucius Verus.

Marcus's reign soon saw fearful national disasters from flood, earthquakes, epidemics, threatened revolt (in Britain), a Parthian war, and pressure of barbarians north of the Alps. From 169 onwards he had to struggle hard against the German Quadi, Marcomani, Vandals, and others until success came in 174. In 175 (when Faustina died) he pacified affairs in Asia after a revolt by Avidius. War with Germans was renewed during which he caught some disease and died by the Danube in March 180.

The famous Meditations of Marcus Aurelius (not his title; he simply calls them 'The matters addressed to himself') represents reflections written in periods of solitude during the emperor's military campaigns. Originally intended for his private guidance and self-admonition, the Meditations has endured as a potent expression of Stoic belief. It is a central text for students of Stoicism as well as a unique personal guide to the moral life.

Customer Reviews (4)

can't recommend the Greek or English for NT Greek learners
I am assuming that a lot of people who might be interested in this are people learning NT Greekand this review is intended for them.I bought this after being very satisfied with the Loeb Epictetus.(See my review.) But Aurelieus' Greek is harder and less elegant (more optatives, more vocab that does not appear in the NT, more eliptical expressions) and this translation is simply AWFUL.Again and again I found I had to refer back to George Long's older translation to unpack the Greek, which defeats the purpose of a diglot.Aurelius is still wonderful for Christians, but until a diglot with a better translation comes out, I would skip this and focus on other non-biblical Greek.

Great Book, Ridiculous Translation
While the other reviewers wax eloquent on the topic of Marcus Aurelius and the incredibly insightful quality of his thinking, both neglect to mention C.R Haines actual translation, which, unless you know ancient Greek pretty well, is what you will actually spend your time reading. It is the fussiest, pseudo-archaic travesty of translation I have ever encountered. Never mind that the use of 'thee', 'thou' and the accompanying creaky verb forms have been out of vogue for over half a century, Haines mined the motherlode of obscurities and what I suppose is would-be poetic creativity. Thus you will encounter words like 'encairned', 'decensive', 'quotha', 'perforce', 'wroth', 'guerdon', and 'aye'(used like pepper throughout the text), all of which may be summed up in Haines' funniest quote,'Man, what art thou at?' It's hard to imagine that even in 1915 this translation did not seem ridiculously effete for a work of such practicality and clear sense! It is equally remarkable that Loeb had not modernized this turkey by 1987, anyway. If you want to consider the Greek text, this is the one to get. Otherwise you will find better and clearer English elsewhere!

The Philosopher, the Emperor, and the Good Life
A review of this treasure of wisdom and thought may border on the presumptious. 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 notes 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 consise 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.

A handbook to transform consciousness
I have read several translations of this work and have found the C.R. Haines version to be the best in terms of clarity and annotation.The format is also excellent, measuring just 4by 6inches, making it easy to keep in your pocket for daily reading.

"...when philosophers are kingsand kings are philosophers..." Plato

If you ever hear someone turnthe phrase, "when philosophers are kings," remember this; they already wereand, that's right, you missed it. You missed it by about 1,820 years, giveor take a few.

After some 25 or more years of training, a man bornMarcus Annius Verus ascended to the Imperial throne of the Roman Empire andis known to history as Marcus Aurelius Antoninus or just Marcus Aurelius. Probably the best qualified ruler the world has known, Marcus Aurelius wasa man and a ruler to whom historians most frequently point as someone whoalways placed the welfare of the people above all else.

Marcus Aurelius,the last in a series of philosopher emperors, spent most of the lastthirteen years of his life in the damp and gloomy forests along the Danube. Beset by treason, incompetence and corruption he waged relentless war onthe first few of uncounted waves of barbarian invaders who would ultimatelydestroy the Romans so thoroughly that not even their language wouldsurvive.

During this time he kept a diary of sorts. I use the word diaryin the sense that Marcus wrote this book for himself alone, with no carewhether any other should ever read it.He called his little book "ToHimself."

What Marcus ultimately produced is a sometimes scatteredyet concise handbook on how to live contented under any circumstances.Itis here for us to inspect, to read and learn the inner thoughts of one ofthe greatest philosophers and humanitarian leaders in the history of theWest.

There is to be found, if we are but willing to read, a definitesystem for controlling our thoughts and therefore our lives and ourhappiness.This "handbook" on how to be the source of your own happiness,commonly known as The Meditations, teaches a system of thought that, with abit of practice, will show that you really are the only possible source ofyou own happiness - a source without limits and without end.This way ofseeing the world also has side effects which are; greater participation inlife, less frustration and little if any anxiety, anger or depression.

(2007) I must add: the new translation - "The Emperor's Handbook: A New Translation of The Meditations" by the Hicks brothers is a superb contemporary English version.There have been other attempts but they don't even come close to the work of David and C. Scot Hicks.Look it up. ... Read more

Book Description
An accessible and scholarly study of an emperor who was human and just throughout his long reign which was frequently punctuated by wars with the northern tribes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

How much do we really need to know?
I'm not a scholar of history, but have always been interested in the man that wrote the Meditations.I thought an in-depth analysis would be the trick for getting to know this Stoic Emperor better.In Birley's book, however, I experienced information overload.

We learn a great deal about the Emperor's tutors and family.But the reader, at least this reader, is given so much detail, that it is difficult to organize the data in a meaningful way.I could not distinguish the significant from the merely interesting.

If you already know quite a bit about Marcus Aurelius and want to learn more, by all means buy this book.

If, on the other hand, you want an inroduction to his life, I'd recommend looking elsewhere.

The Man Who Held It All Together
Marcus Aurelius (121-180 A.D.) inherited the principate from Antonius Pius, the fourth in a succession of emperors whose reigns were marked with peace, prosperity and internal stability.Marcus was unique in several respects.Not only was he groomed for the throne from an extremely early age, he was also schooled in Eastern philosphy (Stoicism) rather than the conventional military upbringing of most emperors hitherto.

Ruling as the senior "co-emperor" with his adoptive brother Lucius, and later his ill-starred son, Commodus, he began his reign in classic 2nd Century style, as a benign despot, touring the provinces and engaging in continued correspondence with his favorite childhood tutor.

But then it things went horribly, horribly wrong.The Northern Frontier, which Trajan and Hadrian had done so much to secure, suddenly collapsed, with hordes of German tribes ravaging the countryside.So did the currency, leading to massive debasements of the coinage.And then the worst of all evils arrived -bubonic plague decimating the population.Marcus had to draw on all of his strength of spirit and learning to hold it all together, and hold it he did, restoring the frontiers and defeating the barbarians.Despite his successor, idiot son Commodus, he helped win Rome another good fifty years.

Birley's narrative is sharp and well-paced, and stunningly timely.Reading this at the same time as anthrax outbreak and modern barbarian invasion, I had a sick sense of deja vu.

The Life of One of History's Greatest Men
Anthony Birley's biography of Marcus Aurelius manages to give the reader a good view of the life of an Emperor by pulling together the very few resources available.Marcus' early years and education are given in good detail including some letters between Marcus and his teachers.It is true that the chapters dealing with Marcus' personal life and family are not as 'exciting' as some might wish but they show a side to an Emperor rarely seen.

The Parthian War, which was commanded by Co-Emperor Lucius Verus, is given a good overview.However, the Marcommanic Wars are covered in excellent detail.Anthony Birley reviews all the sources that are available and gives reasons for his conclusions.Coins, The Colume of marcus Aurelius and Cassius Dio are the prime sources for the Marcommanic Wars.The Commanding Generals are named and fans of 'Gladiator' will be disappointed.

This is real history and a look into one of Rome's most popular Emperors.If you are a fan of 'Gladiator' then read this book and see how much more exciting reality is.

The role Commodus played and the reasons Marcus made him Co-Emperor after Lucius Verus are explained very well.This book by far is one of the best Imperial Biographies I have read.

Good, scholarly but not a "great read"
I enjoyed Birley's biography of Marcus Aureliusm, because I was interested in the man.

Even so, it is written as an academic treatment limiting the story to the primary sources, with constant quotes from them.This is certainly an accurate manner to depict biographical information, but not as compelling as say Robin Fox's treatment of Alexander the Great which is equally well-research and annotated but is also a great "read." ... Read more

Book Description
The message of this book is simple but powerful; we have a short time on earth, we don't know what is going to happen, and it doesn't matter.It is the best defense available agains the problems and stresses of out time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Aphorisms for every day living
It is said that the collected sayings of Marcus Aurelius are the best treatise on practical philosophy ever written. Living in Rome at a time when Stoicism and the legacy of Socrates' wisdom were resounding through the marketplace and Senate, Emperor Marcus Aurelius composed a series of meditations, designed to help people get through the stresses and strains of daily life.

Previous translations of Aurelius' aphorisms have often been somewhat archaic however Alan Jacobs' new `transcreation' is an easily accessible and yet deeply profound interpretation of Aurelius' work. Using free verse in modern-day language, Jacobs has skilfully translated Aurelius' insights into a smooth and exquisite exposition on the Truth and the meaning of life. And in the manner of the Stoics, Jacobs has successfully woven into his text the immortal strands of reason and mysticism:

So what will guide us?
I answer unequivocally -
Philosophy!
So keep your `will' free
from violence,
superior to pain and pleasure.
Never drift aimlessly
nor hypocritically,
but accepting all that
happens wholeheartedly
with a big yea-say!
Await death cheerfully
so the elements may be dissolved
and consciousness
return to its source.
Nothing is ever wrong if it follows
the `Nature of Things'.

To read regularly one or two verses from `The Spiritual Wisdom of Marcus Aurelius' is to remove oneself from the transitory nature of the day-to-day and be immersed in a transcendent wisdom, one which is as true for the Romans as it is for us today.

Alan Jacobs has published many books on the themes of mysticism and nondualist teachings, including, `The Wisdom of Balsekar: The Essence of Enlightenment from the World's Leading Teacher of Advaita', Watkins Publishing, 2004
... Read more

Product Description
Book Description:

"This Roman Stoic hands down the day-to-day principles on which an all-powerful Emperor ruled for the welfare of the people." (Quote from bartleby.com)

Table of Contents:

Publisher's Preface; Book One; Book Two; Book Three; Book Four; Book Five; Book Six; Book Seven; Book Eight; Book Nine; Book Ten; Book Eleven; Book Twelve

About the Publisher:

Forgotten Books is a publisher of historical writings, such as: Philosophy, Classics, Science, Religion, Esoteric and Mythology. www.forgottenbooks.org

Forgotten Books is about sharing information, not about making money. All books are priced at wholesale prices. We are also the only publisher we know of to print in large sans-serif font, which is proven to make the text easier to read and put less strain on your eyes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Emperors book of wisdom
This book will give you the rare opportunity to read a book of wisdom written by a Roman Emperor. Marcus Aurelius was a well liked emperor you lived from 120 A.D. to 180 A.D. ruling in the late part of his life. The book's theme is to live your life in balance with the universe. Do your duty and fulfill the role the "Gods" put you on earth to do. Let reason be your master always doing what is beneficial to all. Do not sin because you only sin against yourself. Why worry about correcting others behaviors when you have so much uncompleted work to do on yourself. If you enjoy reading Plato, Epictetus, or philosophy in general I know you will enjoy reading this book, it is truly packed with wisdom and will take you back to Roman times and let you see how the wise among them thought before the dark ages and modern religion came on the stage of civilization. Very interesting read. ... Read more

Book Description

BEAR IN MIND THAT THE

MEASURE OF A MAN IS THE WORTH OF THE THINGS HE CARES ABOUT.

IF IT IS GOOD TO SAY OR DO

SOMETHING, THEN IT IS

EVEN BETTER TO BE CRITICIZED FOR

HAVING SAID OR DONE IT.

ARE MY GUIDING PRINCIPLES

HEALTHY AND ROBUST? ON THIS HANGS EVERYTHING.

Essayist Matthew Arnold described the man who wrote these words as "the most beautiful figure in history." Possibly so, but he was certainly more than that. Marcus Aurelius ruled the Roman Empire at its height, yet he remained untainted by the incalculable wealth and absolute power that had corrupted many of his predecessors. Marcus knew the secret of how to live the good life amid trying and often catastrophic circumstances, of how to find happiness and peace when surrounded by misery and turmoil, and of how to choose the harder right over the easier wrong without apparent regard for self-interest.

The historian Michael Grant praises Marcus's book as "the best ever written by a major ruler," and Josiah Bunting, superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, calls it "the essential book on character, leadership, duty." Never intended for publication, the Meditations contains the practical and inspiring wisdom by which this remarkable emperor lived the life not of a saintly recluse, but of a general, administrator, legislator, spouse, parent, and judge besieged on all sides.

The Emperor's Handbook offers a vivid and fresh translation of this important piece of ancient literature. It brings Marcus's words to life and shows his wisdom to be as relevant today as it was in the second century. This book belongs on the desk and in the briefcase of every business executive, political leader, and military officer. It speaks to the soul of anyone who has ever exercised authority or faced adversity or believed in a better day.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Emperors book of wisdom
This book will give you the rare opportunity to read a book of wisdom written by a Roman Emperor. Marcus Aurelius was a well liked emperor you lived from 120 A.D. to 180 A.D. ruling in the late part of his life. The book's theme is to live your life in balance with the universe. Do your duty and fulfill the role the "Gods" put you on earth to do. Let reason be your master always doing what is beneficial to all. Do not sin because you only sin against yourself. Why worry about correcting others behaviors when you have so much uncompleted work to do on yourself. If you enjoy reading Plato, Epictetus, or philosophy in general I know you will enjoy reading this book, it is truly packed with wisdom and will take you back to Roman times and let you see how the wise among them thought before the dark ages and modern religion came on the stage of civilization. Very interesting read.

Timeless Wisdom For All People
Here in this book are the age old ideals and philosophies that inspired great peoples throughout the world and many of those who faught for and formed the foundations of America.These are not new ideas, even at the time of this rulers ponderings, but are concepts that have been handed down by the wisest of individuals in one form or another from time immemorial.

If only we the frail creatures of Gods providence would walk towards this wisdom, rather than away from it as we seem to be doing these days, we would be more capable of addressing the problems that face our world and our nation better.Unfortunately our two party system of government requires that one side be totally apposed to these great thoughts and concepts and "We The People" have to deal with both sides being at odds on just about everything important and in the end both are right and both are wrong on scores of issues.

This happens because everytime the modern day scholar (nearly all of them) attempts to interpret these wonderful concepts of old, they forget to take into account the thought processes and conditions of those who wrote them, and instead look with eyes blinded by their own feeble twentieth and twenty-first century concepts, ideals and minds.They do not have a real tinme sensitive basis upon which to raise above their own egos, partisan thoughts and special interest prejudices and see clearly the significant meanings behind the great thoughts presented to them.This is not only in reading Marcus Aurelius but the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States and the writings of our Founding Fathers and Mothers.

This is an excellent book, masterfully put together, for the individual to look inwardly and make adjustments to his or her soul that will enable him/her to be a better person, spouse, father, sibling, friend and citizen. It can bring inner peace to those who have nothing but constant turmoil of spirit.

It is unfortunate that this wisdom is no longer being taught to our children.I certainly never was exposed to this by any instructor I ever had, in any form in primary or secondary education nor my college work. It was only through an innate desire to read everything I could get my hands on both politically and philosohically that I found and ordered this book.

One finds a quiet peace after reading this book and pondering it's contents and I would recommend it to anyone who yearns for a higher understanding of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness so inculcated and enshrined in the founding philosophies and documents of our nation.

Cetainly a great book to be readily available for reference.

One of the most significant books in my life
Obviously, one may think the tag line is a bit of a dramatization, but it is not.

This collection of verses speaks to the timeless wisdom Aurelius distilled while at war. Truly a philosopher well beyond his time, his successful attempt to expound stoic ideals and how they can be APPLIED is always inspiring.

My only word of caution is that where you are in life right now may not be the right time for you to read this book. I have bought over 15 copies and given them out to close friends who I think would benefit from the words.

If you enjoy the book, I suggest reading reading the Enchiridion of Epictetus. I read that first, and was stunned by the current translation and text in comparison, even though the core assertion of truth is the same.

Best of luck, and enjoy!

Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Man
This book is a collection of philosophical thoughts that were written down by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius.The Hicks brothers did an excellent job of translating these thoughts into Modern English. Some words appear to be inaccurate as they refer to concepts or atomic particles that were likely unknown to the Romans.Regardless, the use of these words and concepts does not diminish the greater point being made by Emperor Aurelius.

The book is only 145 pages long and is broken into twelve "books" or chapters.Each chapter usually runs between 30-60 thoughts or passages.Because the book is essentially a collection of passages, it is not something that one should sit down and read cover to cover.Some readers may want to use a pencil to underline certain thoughts for quick reference.One nice aspect of this book is that several significant passages were highlighted in gray boxes for quick recall.All in all, this book is best read in short bursts.The reader may also want to re-read certain passages over again in order to grasp Marcus Aurelius' true meaning.

The thoughts presented by Marcus Aurelius offer a unique perspective on how the Romans viewed life and death.Marcus spent a great deal of time thinking about death and how people should approach it with dignity.He also looked down on those people who approached death in an undignified way, often with "histrionics."No doubt, these were the Christians who were being put to death and persecuted at the time.Despite this unique Roman perspective on life and death, the book is full of useful guidance. Most of his ideas are still applicable today. Some of the very same thoughts can be found in modern-day books on leadership.For example, Marcus noted "anger is as much a proof of weakness as grief.Both involve being wounded and giving in to one's wounds."This bit of wisdom is as applicable today as it was for the Romans.

Bottom line, this is an easy to read book of philosophical passages.The thoughts on leadership, death, and how to live a good life are as applicable today as they were in the time of the Romans.The reader would be hard put to find another book with as much wisdom as is contained in these 145 pages.

A leadership and management must
Having served in the armed services and now in the health care industry; This book not only serves as a leadership and management blueprint, but also its essence can serve to direct you in everyday life. A must have for junior and senior leaders/managers and excellent read. ... Read more

Product Description
El emperador romano Marco Aurelio es de esos elegidos para dar consejos, indudables guias sobre todo por haber llevado un avida ejemplar. Estas son una seleccion minuciosa de los innumerables momentos de sabiduria que reconfortan a cualquier personba que busca tranquilidad, paz y felicidad. ... Read more

Book Description
This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other reproduction issues beyond our control. Because this work is culturally important, we have made it available as a part of our commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting the world's literature. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Roman Emperor's book of wisdom
This book will give you the rare opportunity to read a book of wisdom written by a Roman Emperor. Marcus Aurelius was a well liked emperor you lived from 120 A.D. to 180 A.D. ruling in the late part of his life. The book's theme is to live your life in balance with the universe. Do your duty and fulfill the role the "Gods" put you on earth to do. Let reason be your master always doing what is beneficial to all. Do not sin because you only sin against yourself. Why worry about correcting others behaviors when you have so much uncompleted work to do on yourself. If you enjoy reading Plato, Epictetus, or philosophy in general I know you will enjoy reading this book, it is truly packed with wisdom and will take you back to Roman times and let you see how the wise among them thought before the dark ages and modern religion came on the stage of civilization. Very interesting read.
... Read more

Book Description
A translation of the classic works by Marcus Aurelius. ... Read more