Meditations: A New Translation (Modern Library Classics)

On the surface Marcus Aurelius is clear in his words. Most of what he says is common sense, bar, perhaps, anything related to providence and god - although, those words have somewhat different meaning in a Stoic sense than what we may associate with them today. Because everything is so clear, is common sense and applicable to our life today the experience reading this book is profound. It's not one to rush through, though. One want to take time to reflect. Reflection can be challenging. Because Marcus challenges our (modern) habits of rushing through life, ever busy, never truly present, often angry, and attached to external goods - we are consuming, but are we living? And are we living well? Reflection on his words can change perspective. And thus can be life changing - if the moral guide Marcus lays out, based on the ancient virtues of Stoic philosophy, are applied in practice in ones life. This often sounds easier than done, in reality. However, it's the same for everything in life: one needs to start, continue to learn, train and get better. Marcus, like many of us, is in this inner fight between what is right and what is wrong. He wants to be a good man, doing the right things, and reminding him in these meditations how to live the good life. On its own, without having any introduction and understanding of Stoic doctrine, the book is certainly valuable to read. However, I can only encourage one to look deeper into the details of Stoic philosophy to get a full understanding of the meaning of Marcus' words. As only then one can truly grasp the "why" beneath the individual paragraphs. Then the Meditations can become a guide for life to keep close to hand at any moment to call on for help and guidance at any moment of uncertainty, struggle and loss. This translation from Gregory Hays is superb. Simple, modern English, without losing the beauty of the language of the original.

"Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius is a literary masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on my perspective of life, self-reflection, and personal growth. This collection of philosophical musings and insights is a treasure trove of wisdom that transcends time and continues to resonate deeply with readers across generations. Aurelius' introspective thoughts, written during his time as Roman Emperor, reveal a remarkable depth of understanding about human nature and the challenges we face in our daily lives. His emphasis on the impermanence of circumstances and the importance of focusing on our inner virtues serves as a guiding light in navigating the complexities of existence. One of the things that struck me the most was how relatable his observations remain today. Despite the passage of centuries, the struggles of managing our emotions, seeking tranquility amidst chaos, and striving for personal excellence are just as relevant now as they were in his era. The structure of the book, divided into short passages or "meditations," allows for easy contemplation and introspection. Each meditation is like a nugget of timeless wisdom, ripe for deep thought and personal application. This book isn't meant to be read hurriedly; rather, it's a companion for reflective moments and gradual internal transformation. Whether you're familiar with Stoic philosophy or completely new to it, "Meditations" offers an accessible entry point into these profound teachings. Aurelius' writing style is clear and direct, making his insights accessible to readers from all walks of life. Pros: Timeless wisdom that remains relevant across generations Thought-provoking insights into human nature and self-improvement Structured format for easy contemplation and reflection Clear and accessible writing style Offers a unique window into the mind of a Roman Emperor and philosopher Cons: None to speak of; this book is a true gem! In conclusion, "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius is an indispensable addition to any bookshelf. Its pages contain wisdom that can guide us in our journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. If you're seeking a thought-provoking read that will leave a lasting impact, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into the profound insights of this timeless classic.

Very pleased with this paperback version of a classic book. Easy size to carry around. Print is smallish and paper quality is reasonable.

As someone who has dabbled in ancient texts and philosophy, I've always found it challenging to connect with some translations due to the language (I'm not a native English speaker). This is where Gregory Hays's translation truly shines. Halfway through the book, I'm completely captivated by the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, all thanks to Hays's lucid and easy-to-read translation. Something that stood out for me was the introduction. While it's tempting to skip it on most books, I'd strongly recommend you not to skip this section. Hays does a remarkable job of setting the stage, providing historical context, and offering insights that enrich the experience as a whole!

There's an episode of Dad's Army where the English Captain Mainwaring turns out to be able to play the bagpipes. He explains his skill by revealing that he spent his two-week honeymoon in Scotland, and that there wasn't much else to do. Marcus Aurelius, who as Emperor of Rome was higher up the army ranks than Mainwaring, probably felt the same way about northern Germany, where he spent his time trying to defeat the barbarians. To pass the hours he scribbled down jottings and ideas about how to live a fulfilled life that eventually became Meditations, one of the most wonderful personal philosophies ever written. The thoughts and ideas here are connected by Aurelius' interest in the Stoic philosophy, but they are not a narrative so the book can be opened at any page or read in any order as each paragraph is a single idea, observation or point he wished to make. Aurelius comes across as an incredibly sane, warm, open and tolerant individual and although he personally believes in a divine nature, an atheist can happily enjoy his writing. The Stoics were interested in logic, physics and ethics. These terms didn't hold their current meanings so Logic meant closely observing the world and thinking carefully and deriving knowledge and opinions about what you have seen. Physics is essentially the idea that the universe has a force of nature running through it and there's a connectedness between all things. Finally Ethics is how to be happy, which to the stoics meant living in tune with the rest of nature. It all sounds rather new age and vague but Aurelius' genius is to boil this down to a practical formula for everyday living. It's rather as if he is in his tent cursing some piece of misfortune and then stops himself, considers his philosophy and how he should handle the problem and writes the solution down. So you might get something like "Never make light of a friend's rebuke", or "Never listen to gossip" followed by an explanation of the consequences and disbenefits. More often however a paragraph will be a mini essay on why a certain type of behaviour is good or bad for the individual. Some are very short such as, "Men exist for each other, then either improve them or put up with them" whilst others roll across a page or perhaps a little more. There is repetition here and there and not everything is a golden nugget of truth but taken as a whole this is a remarkable work, and I don't believe that anyone would not have greater contentment and less stress if they followed the advice he gives. On the negative side he can sound a bit miserable about the world and give the impression that it is a constant struggle to exist, but I expect when you are fighting off German invaders every morning you begin to get somewhat glum. This is something to keep by your bedside and dip into every few weeks or months. Highly recommended.

A classic for a reason, brilliant entry into stoicism

Fun read

This is a great translation for those who wish to study the ideas of Marcus Aurelius, without struggling with the language. I do enjoy referring to both this copy and another translation that I own, purely to see two different ideas on the same text.

If i lived couple a thousands of years ago as an Emperor, who spent most of his life on campaign in defensive wars (which he was highly successful at i might add). Knowing that my notebook that i wrote in during this time for my personal thought and struggles as a man holding together an vast swat of land filled with intrigue and betrayal around every corner and trying my best to be zen/coolheaded about it all. To then discover that people would publish it long after my death , idiolizing me as one of the most insightful and wise persons in history, without my consent i might add. I would be just pissed off someone read my diary (they were my personal thoughts 😭). Good read though, even though it's too smart for me sometimes :P)

Changed my life

Product looks used

Bought this as a gift to someone and now I'm put in an uncomfortable situation. The book doesn't look new. Looks like someone has used it because of the scratches on the cover. If it's a used book advertise it like that and drop the price a bit.

This is a obviously a classic. If you're reading it for entertainment, or just casually, then you might not fully appreciate it. It is best read, and studied. Find another resource that adds commentary, that will be helpful. There are so many treasures in this book, but as with all things of value, you have to search for them. This is an annual read for me. I have highlights and notes throughout and give this as a gift regularly.