Product Description
Classics Club book; Walter J. Black, Inc., publisher. Marcus Aurelius and His Times, The Transition from Paganism to Christianity. Introduction by Irwin Edman. 306 pages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

For a Very Limited Audience
This book is certainly not for everyone.However, for five dollars including shipping, it might be worth purchasing, and furthermore, it is in libraries all across the United States.Uncredited as such, this book is the editorial work of Irwin Edman a noted American academic and philosopher active in the first half of the twentieth century.Everything here but the body of the texts reproduced is his work.The preface and the introduction to each ancient author is written by him and will be of help to those who are not familiar with these writers of antiquity.Also, interspersed are three chapters of Walter Pater's novel, "Marius the Epicurean."Pater was a famous writer on art, and literature from nineteenth century Britain.So, wherein lies the value?

I bought this because I needed a decent older translation of Justin Martyr's "First Apology" for comparative purposes.Also, included are chapters one to nine of "The Dialogue with Trypho" and closing the section on Justin is a translation of the "Martyrdom of the Holy Martyrs" which is a short recounting of the trial and martyrdom of Justin and other Christians at Rome.It is believed to be of the time and genuine.Other ancient texts are two dialogues by Lucian of Samosata which are representative of his fine satirical wit, and lastly a complete translation of Marcus Arelius' "Meditations."These are all serviceable translations and very pleasant to read.However, the three chapters from Walter Pater represent an aesthetic form of a by gone era that many a modern reader may not appreciate.Pater's three chapters tie the rest of the writings together into a coherent story.One concerns the triumph celebrated at Rome on Marcus Arelius' return from his war with Parthia, the second an intimate family sketch of Arelius, and closing the book is a eucharistic gathering of Christians.

As arranged by Edman there is a logical flow to the materials within the book.They sort of form a confection meant to represent the era of Marcus Arelius.All the characters named in Pater's chapters are the historically correct persons for the fancied occasions.And, herein lies the problems as well as the greatest additional value that this book may possess.The sub title of the book is telling, "The Transition from Paganism to Christianity."The years in question are one hundred-fifty to one hundred-seventy CE.These were the years of the finalparting of the ways between Christianity from Judaism.And, even to pose the notion that these years were part of a Pagan to Christian transitional process is intellectually anachronistic and just plain wrong.Therefore, in whole this book tells us more about the intellectual history of the United States circa 1945 than it does about the past.The Pater recreations are jarringly out of sync with the realities of the Rome that they attempt to describe.For example, the eucharistic scene is that of a fully mitered bishop in all his pomp and luster which is hardly what one would expect in this era at Rome.

This is an historical fairy tale built around ancient writings.And, as this fairy tale was brought to us by "The Classics Club," one would expect that it represents their notion of history as well as what the public ought to be reading.I strongly believe that pipe fitters should read ancient authors if they so wish.However, if this book represents the aesthetic judgments of "our betters" as to what will tame our barbarian souls, it is very dated.If this was the ideal of its day, it is no wonder Terry Eagleton wrote "The Ideology of the Aesthetic."I enjoyed the book because it made me think in unexpected ways.I read the Walter Pater passages and their fifty adjectives for every noun, and they made me cringe. I suggest a library if one wishes to read this book.However, if you wish to reread the ancient writings herein contained off and on over your lifetime, then by all means this book is a bargain.

Outstanding Book
Marcus Aurelius, like Sun Tzu is a must read throughout ones life.The writings of the Emperor show time and time again that there is nothing new in this world but the history that you do not know.Be patient reading this book.There are a few websites that one can visit for help understanding some of his thoughts.. Great read.. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an OCR edition without illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from GeneralBooksClub.com. You can also preview excerpts from the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Original Published by: Macmillan in 1905 in 671 pages; Subjects: Rome; History / Ancient / General; History / Ancient / Rome; ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

I'm beginning to understand why Commodus turned out so badly
Marcus Aurelius was Roman emperor from AD 161 to AD 180. Edward Gibbon regarded him as the last of the "five good emperors". Marcus was succeeded on the throne by his son Commodus, commonly regarded as a tyrant. Indeed, Commodus was one of the few Roman emperors denied the posthumous honour of deification. It seems the proverb "like father like son" wasn't true in this case.

The primary reason for the good reputation of Marcus Aurelius is his philosophical work "Meditations". It's still considered a classic of world literature. Indeed, Marcus Aurelius is sometimes cast as a philosopher-king, a person who accomplished what Plato assumed was impossible (or at least highly improbable).

In reality, Marcus Aurelius seems to have been a pretty average Roman emperor. He carried out the usual wars against Parthians and Germanic "barbarians", persecuted Christians and even fought a short civil war against an imperial pretender. "Meditations" was written in Carnuntum and close to the river Hron during the Marcomannic wars.

What really struck me when reading "Meditations", however, was the depressive, pessimistic and downright morbid character of the last good emperor's philosophy. How many people who pay tribute to this work have actually read it? Marcus Aurelius sounds like the Buddha on a really bad day! The emperor, of course, was a Stoic. Well, I'm not.

The Stoic philosophy of Marcus claims that everything that happens, including evil and suffering, is for a good cause. Evil and suffering have always existed and will always exist. Fighting it is therefore meaningless. It's part of Nature and probably serves a higher good. (Although Marcus cannot really say what this "higher good" might be.) Soon, we will all be dead anyway, so why bother about evil, suffering and other trifles of life? Life will always be as bad as it is today, so we won't miss anything if we die prematurely. Besides, the dead can't feel anything, so what's the point of fearing death? We either disintegrate into atoms, or are reincarnated in a life similar to this one, or are transformed into something higher. Either way, there is nothing to worry about. At one point, Marcus exclaims that no evil can hurt the community, and since the community cannot be hurt, why should evil bother him?

Because he's emperor...?

Imagine being ruled by an autocrat who believes that he doesn't have to bother about evil in the community!

Naturally, there is an unhealthy ascetic streak in "Meditations" as well. Sex is meaningless, eating good food is like feeding on carrion, even philosophy itself is bad if you indulge yourself too much in it.

True, this Stoic ethos of living your life like an unperturbed marble statue is to some extent mitigated by an emphasis on treating others with love, kindness and justice, including people who don't really deserve it (they just don't know better and should therefore be pitied rather than condemned). This is presumably the part that commends "Meditations" to Christians, who long admired the work.

In general, however, I can't say I was thrilled by "Meditations". Frankly, I stopped reading it after a little over 100 pages. There is something hypocritical about a powerful emperor saying that nothing can be done about our predicament. Nor do I think that a consistent Stoic can become a very likable person. Occasionally, Caesar Marcus Aurelius sounds a bit clinical. He needs to get out more, I think.

I always wondered why the good Marcus Aurelius had such a bad son. I think I finally got it. I mean, it can't be easy having a father who actually believes the contents of his own Stoic meditations.

Small wonder Commodus snapped.
... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (8)

A Very Readable Introduction to the Meditations
The Dialogues is a very readable introduction to the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius. It solves a problem for a reader of the Meditations of just how to organize these very private notes in a coherent way. This work will likely spur many readers to pursue a more comprehensive knowledge of Marcus Aurelius, his times, and his thinking.

Marcus Aurelius, the great Roman Emperor
This is a very creative way in bringing to life the great stoic emperor, Marcus Aurelius.I fond it fascinating and highly inventive.Rev. Dennis Kuby, Berkeley, CA

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. ... Read more

Product 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 (2)

very inspiring
just read any page when you are feeling depressed and you will see what Aurelius saw as the essential meaning of life and the gift of it all.

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

Translated by Meric Casaubon

Customer Reviews (2)

Kindle Readers: This is NOT the Gregory Hays translation
If you followed the "Start reading The Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. Published by MobileRe... on your Kindle in under a minute. " link from http://www.amazon.com/Meditations-Marcus-Aurelius/dp/0812968255/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1240070726&sr=8-1, be aware that this is not the Hays translation.

The Kindle edition published by MobileReference (which is what you'll get) is a much more difficult and archaic version of The Meditations. I don't recommend it.

Pure Wisdom
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Meditations of Marcus Aurelius are profound and timeless. The book is full of wisdom and common sense. I recommend this book highly. ... Read more

Product Description
The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius are treasured today--as they have been over the centuries--as an inexhaustible source of wisdom. And as one of the three most important expressions of Stoicism, this is an essential text for everyone interested in ancient religion and philosophy. Pierre Hadot, eminent historian of ancient thought, here uncovers new levels of meaning in the Roman emperor's Meditations and expands our understanding of its underlying philosophy. This spirited and engaging study offers a fresh picture of the fascinating philosopher-emperor, a fuller understanding of the tradition and doctrines of Stoicism, and rich insight into the culture of the Roman empire in the second century."[Marcus Aurelius] spent most of his life in troubling times, campaigning against the barbarians, dealing with conspiracy at home...Yet the most powerful man in the world still managed to live the life of a Stoic, and to record his reflections on how we should live. Those meditations...became one of the best-loved books of antiquity...This study--by a leading authority on Marcus--provides background matter and analysis of the main themes in the Meditations, as well as fresh translations of many of the sayings."--Washington Post Book World ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

The best and only real scholarly analysis of Marcus Aurelius
Hadot's study of the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius is undoubtedly the best educational discussion of one of the most underrated philosophers in history. A text like Meditations deserves a dedicated scholarly (but readable) supplement and Hadot has delivered it to us some thousand and a half years later.

Hadot's believes that the Meditations were not simply notes Marcus wrote to himself but rather a series of cognitive techniques practiced by many Stoics. He calls them "Imaginative Exercises." For example, there is the practice of "turning an obstacle upside down." Suppose you are helping someone (a virtue) and they make that difficult by being surly or unwilling to cooperate: patience and understanding. With this logic, there is rarely an excuse to ever find yourself at a philosophical impasse and is the epitome of Stoicism's adaptability.

Rather than think of Meditations as little bits of wisdom that Marcus jotted down, Hadot says, we should think of them a personal study of the tenets of Stoicism. Marcus is practicing what he has been taught as opposed to doing the teaching himself. This is a new interpretation as most other biographers have gotten caught up in comparing Marcus's actions and his words - analyzing whether or not he was a hypocrite, a drug addict, a warrior or an enfeebled emperor.

In Hadot's book we not only get a deep understanding of Marcus but we can see the love the author has for his subject. Hadot, through his discussion of Marcus, manages to also give the reader one of the best books on Epictetus and Seneca. His original translations of all three authors are welcome additions to the canon for the group. In short, if you liked Meditations or are researching the great Marcus Aurelius, this book is THE book on the topic. Starting anywhere else would be a waste of time.

Best Review and Explanation of Meditations and Aurelius
Just finished Hadot's The Inner Citadel; and am astounded at Hadot's insights and depth of analysis.It leads me to understand Aurelius, his Meditations, and Stoicism.This provides a broader understanding of the context of the times as well as the contents of Aurelius' searching to be that "good man".Such is the unversal search of all.

A Great Book About a Great Book
Until I read this marvelous book, I regarded the "Meditations" of Marcus Aurelius as somber reflections on life by a wise and sensitive observer -- but not as much more."The Inner Citadel" shows that the "Meditations" were really spiritual exercises shaped by a coherent Stoic philosophy, and intended to entrench a Stoic outlook in Marcus Aurelius' soul.The book connects Marcus Aurelius to other Stoic thinkers such as Seneca and Epictetus, and shows that Stoicism was both a sophisticated ethical system and an appealing form of non-supernatural piety.Anyone who enjoyed the "Meditations" will love "The Inner Citadel."It's a thoughtful and eye-opening book.Six stars.

Informative and practical
This is a very insightful work into the Stoic philosophy of Marcus Aurelius - both informative and practical.

Nice analysis of the Meditations
Hadot manages an academically rigorous analysis of the _Meditations_ while also bringing out the vibrancy and robust spirituality which must have accompanied the ancient philosophies. Where most secondary sources for the Stoics focus upon dry-as-dust technical logistics (which the ancients universally decried), Hadot brings to the foreground the true purpose of ancient meditation techniques, and provides readers some hints of what it might have been like to study Stoicism as a life-philosophy instead of merely an academic curiosity. The book also provides a wonderful synopsis of Epictetus' teaching and style, which strongly influenced M.A. A fine companion with Hadot's _Philosophy As a Way of Life_. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

More interesting than anything else
As I understand it, the discovery of Marcus Fronto's collected letters caused a great disappointment among classical scholars as they seemed to resemble the quality his ancient reputation suggested far less than was imagined, and his part in this correspondance is no less disappointing for its generally boring quality than it is irritating for its pedantry. Though Marcus' role in the relationship granted him greater freedom of expression, the quality of Fronto's writing is uniformly dismal, whereas the fourth of the Good Emperors is energetic and interesting, definitely giving some tilt to his halo, as Amy Richlin puts it.

That said, the book is no less than what it claims to be, a focused collection of the romantically suggestive correspondence between Marcus Aurelius and Marcus Cornelius Fronto, and it can only be truly criticized as a volume for any objectionable qualities of the translation. In this case, I find Richlin's idiosyncracies as a translator detract somewhat from the reading. In this, and her other translations, text is replaced and modernized and, at least in Marcus Aurelius in Love, Greek quotes are translated into French, and classic quotes are replaced with Shakesperean. Although she justifies this as making the text more readable, I find it comes off rather more ridiculous than innovative. If one wanted to read a modern exchanged one would have pursued a book constructed under such auspices, but in this case the subject seems to lose some of its value as a self-conscious artifact as a result of her liberties, becoming somewhat contrived.

In any event, the volume is enjoyable for Marcus Aurelius' entertaining letters if nothing else, but its only distinct value above the Loeb editions of his writings would seem to be its focus on the nature of his relationship with Fronto, which unfortunately is only elaborated upon in the introduction. Although her introduction gives a reader sufficient background to judge for oneself the case for and against a romantic relationship between the two men, I would have personally prefered more rigorous scholarship in illuminating the question, though in all fairness, this may have been beyond the scope of Richlin's conception. ... Read more

Product Description
This 1742 translation is a collaborative work by Frances Hutcheson and a colleague at Glasgow University, the classicist James Moor. Although Hutcheson was secretive about the extent of his work on the book, he was clearly the leading spirit of the project. This influential classical work offered a vision of a universe governed by a natural law that obliges us to love mankind and to govern our lives in accordance with the natural order of things. In their account of the life of the emperor, prefaced to their translation from the Greek, Hutcheson and Moor celebrated the Stoic ideal of an orderly universe governed by a benevolent God. They contrasted the serenity recommended and practiced by Marcus Aurelius with the divisive sectarianism then exhibited by their fellow Presbyterians in Scotland and elsewhere. They urged their readers and fellow citizens to set aside their narrow prejudices. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

Great book
A great little book with a great insight into the mind of a brilliant man.
the book itself is compact, excellent page quality and comes with its own bookmark.

meditations of marcus aurelius
Just what I wanted.easy read but deep responses are needed.Great for daily meditations.

Timeless Wisdom
Of all the things I have bought on Amazon and wrote a review for, this book is probably the one thing I don't need to comment on. If you are of the mind to order it in the first place then you probably know it is a timeless collection of one of the best classical philosophers there is. If for some reason you haven't a clue what to expect, then I say don't hesitate to buy it. It's a handsome and quite sturdy little book that makes an easy traveling companion. It even has a built-in book mark ribbon. I like reading it before I think-through vague or complex problems. It puts you in a calm, reflective mood and brings clarity to your thought.

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. ... Read more

Product Description
1906. The Golden Book of Marcus Aurelius is comprised of notes written to himself during his many years of military campaigns. Contents include 12 books of his musings and stoic philosophical thought. ... Read more

Product 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

Product Description
The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius his writings on Stoic philosophy. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus was born on April 26, A.D. 121. His real name was M. Annius Verus, and he was sprung of a noble family which claimed descent from Numa, second King of Rome. This is the first book Marcus the roman emperor wrote concerning himself. ... 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 who 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

Customer Reviews (3)

A Great Read for Bad Times
This is a book to be read and reread every few years.With all the irrationality in the world today, this book gives one hope. It's hard to pick a favorate but I've reread the chapters on Marcus Aurelius and John Stuart Mill many times with great pleasure.Blanchard's ideas as well as his beautiful literary style and wonderful story telling are amazing.It's not often that a book about ideas is also a great read.

A triumph by this century's greatest rationalist
Brand Blanshard, twentieth-century philosophy's greatest exponent of rationalism, here turns his pen to an examination of reasonableness in action, as exemplified in the lives of Marcus Aurelius, John Stuart Mill,Ernest Renan, and (Blanshard's own favorite exemplar of the "rationaltemper") Henry Sidgwick. Though himself a rationalist, Blanshard wasnot under the illusion that only avowed rationalists could be reasonable,as his selection of examples clearly shows. In each essay, he presents alucid and sympathetic account of his subject's life and thought in aseamless combination that deserves to be called "philosophicalbiography."

While this volume is of course highly informative abouteach of its four subjects, it also of interest as regards Blanshard's ownthought. He was ninety-two years old when he wrote this delightful andhighly readable work, and his examinations of these four men distill alifetime of his own reflections on the role of reason in the ordering ofhuman affairs. A final chapter -- "The enemy: Prejudice" --summarizes his mature views on the nature and importance of the rationaltemper.

The entry under Blanshard's name in the _Oxford Companion toPhilosophy_ closes on an uncharacteristically personal note:"Blanshard's personal demeanour," writes the entry's author Prof.Peter H. Hare, "was one of extraordinary graciousness." Thatgraciousness, evident throughout his work, is especially so here, whereBlanshard deals less directly with philosophical questions and moredirectly with reasonableness as instantiated in actual human lives; hisgenerosity and sympathy (much neglected rational virtues!) are almostpalpable. If the rest of us could absorb something of his rational temperand spirit, our lives and the life of the world would undoubtedly betransformed for the better. And there is no better place to begin than thisvolume by a great man whose religion was the service of reason.

An easy read of a complex topic, this is worth seeking.
Wow! Who'd have thought that an author could approach such a topic as "reasonableness" and render it so well-defined, so palatable and so attractive.By using four historical examples, with focus not primarily upon their philosophies, but more upon their lives, Blanshard is masterful.As a noted philosophical and social commentator in his own right, the author does an excellent job of inserting his own interpretation on the four subject persons, and upon their historical & intellectual significance.Last, and maybe most important, is Mr. Blanshard's ability to communicate clearly.As far-fetched as it may sound, this book is truly a page-turner!I'd recommend this to anyone who feels the need for a book that makes you go, "Hmmmm."At the very least, it will leave any reader with an increased appetite for more reasonableness in his/her own life. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume is produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's large-scale digitization efforts. The Library seeks to preserve the intellectual content of items in a manner that facilitates and promotes a variety of uses. The digital reformatting process results in an electronic version of the original text that can be both accessed online and used to create new print copies. The Library also understands and values the usefulness of print and makes reprints available to the public whenever possible. This book and hundreds of thousands of others can be found in the HathiTrust, an archive of the digitized collections of many great research libraries. For access to the University of Michigan Library's digital collections, please see http://www.lib.umich.edu and for information about the HathiTrust, please visit http://www.hathitrust.org ... Read more