Originally written only for his personal consumption, Marcus
Aurelius's Meditations has become a key text in the understanding
of Roman Stoic philosophy. This Penguin Classics edition is
translated with notes by Martin Hammond and an introduction by
Diskin Clay. Written in Greek by an intellectual Roman emperor
without any intention of publication, the Meditations of Marcus
Aurelius offer a wide range of fascinating spiritual reflections
and exercises developed as the leader struggled to understand
himself and make sense of the universe. Spanning from doubt and
despair to conviction and exaltation, they cover such diverse
topics as the question of virtue, human rationality, the nature of
the gods and Aurelius's own emotions. But while the Meditations
were composed to provide personal consolation, in developing his
beliefs Marcus also created one of the greatest of all works of
philosophy: a series of wise and practical aphorisms that have been
consulted and admired by statesmen, thinkers and ordinary readers
for almost two thousand years. Martin Hammond's new translation
fully expresses the intimacy and eloquence of the original work,
with detailed notes elucidating the text. This edition also
includes an introduction by Diskin Clay, exploring the nature and
development of the Meditations, a chronology, further reading and
full indexes. Marcus Aelius Aurelius Antoninus (121-80) was adopted
by the emperor Antoninus Pius and succeeded him in 161, (as joint
emperor with adoptive brother Lucius Verus). He ruled alone from
169, and spent much of his reign in putting down various
rebellions, and was a persecutor of Christians. His fame rest,
above all, on his Meditations, a series of reflections, strongly
influenced by Epictetus, which represent a Stoic outlook on life.
He was succeeded by his natural son, thus ending the period of the
adoptive emperors. If you enjoyed Meditations, you might like
Seneca's Letters from a Stoic, also available in Penguin Classics.
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My review
Mon, 1 Jul 2019 | Review
by: Edwill L.
Essential reading
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Highly recommended
Thu, 23 Jun 2022 | Review
by: Duncan R.
I have long been an admirer of Marcus Aurelius's Meditations, a wonderful work of Stoic literature. The book itself, a collection of personal reflections on Marcus's own lived experiences, is deserving of its status as a classic. Its deep wisdom and profound psychological insights are more relevant today than ever. This particular translation is the best one out there just for sheer readability. (The Penguin hardback is also just lovely to hold.)
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