Donald Robertson

Marcus Aurelius

Tom Butler-Bowdon

The Philosophy Classic

Meditations

PG Gonni

Ognuno di noi contribuisce in modi diversi, alcuni con azioni positive, altri con critiche e tentativi di contrasto. Evidentemente, il cosmo ha bisogno anche di individui che si oppongono a certi eventi. Quindi, devi capire da che parte vuoi schierarti. Colui che governa l'universo farà comunque buon uso di teeti accoglierà come suo collaboratore e coadiutore, sia in un ruolo che in un altro. Ma non prendere un ruolo come quello del personaggio inutile e ridicolo nel dramma, di cui parla Crisippo.

Chi ha compreso il presente ha compreso tutto, sia ciò che é esistito da sempre sia ciò che esisterà per sempre. Tutto condivide una radice e una natura comuni.

Cè anche chi, in un certo senso, non è nemmeno consapevole delle sue azioni, ma agisce come la vite che produce il grappolo e, una volta raggiunto il risultato, non cerca altro - come il cavallo dopo una corsa, il cane da caccia dopo aver lavorato per scovare la preda, o l'ape dopo aver fatto il miele. Un individuo che ha agito bene non sente la necessità di vantarsene, ma passa ad altre azioni, proprio come la vite continua a produrre frutti quando è stagione.

Eppure, quando si appassionano, questi individui sono disposti a rinunciare a mangiare e dormire pur di vedere crescere l'opera a cui si dedicano: tu invece sembri attribuire meno valore e meno attenzione alle azioni volte al bene della comunità?

Invece di pensare: "Sono sfortunato, mi è capitato questo", dovresti dire: "Sono fortunato, perché al perché nonostante mi sia capitato questo, sto resistendo senza provare dolore. Non permetto al presente di spezzarmi, e non temo il futuro."

… abituati a pensare che la natura ama soprattutto trasformare ciò che esiste per creare nuove cose che gli somiglino. Infatti, tutto ciò che esiste è in qualche modo il seme di ciò che diventerà.

Tuttavia, è fondamentale notare che anche l'attenzione dedicata a ogni singola azione ha un suo valore e una sua misura appropriata. Non dovresti sentirti depresso solo perché dedichi troppo tempo a cose di minore importanza.

Quanto è grande il numero di animali che vengono mangiati e, in un certo senso, seppelliti nei corpi di coloro che li consumano? Eppure, c'è spazio sufficiente per accoglierli grazie alla loro assimilazione nel sangue, alla loro trasformazione in elementi aerei o ignei.

Primo: le cose esterne non toccano la tua anima, i turbamenti derivano solo dalle opinioni che si formano al suo interno. Secondo: tutto ciò che vedi è destinato a cambiare e scomparire. Pensaci costantemente, rifletti su quante cose hai visto trasformarsi di persona. Il mondo è mutevole, la vita è basata sull'opinione.

Le spighe che si curvano verso il terreno, la fronte rugosa del leone, la bava che cola dalle fauci dei cinghiali e molte altre cose: se osserviamo singolarmente, possono sembrare poco attraenti, ma proprio perché sono il risultato di eventi naturali, contribuiscono a rendere il mondo più bello e affascinante.

La morte, la vita, la fama, l'oscurità, il dolore, il piacere, la ricchezza e la povertà colpiscono allo stesso modo le persone buone e cattive, poiché non hanno intrinsecamente valore morale. Non sono né beni né mali.

…chi non presta attenzione ai movimenti della propria anima è destinato a essere infelice.

La vita è un'opportunità preziosa, ma tu sembri averla quasi sprecata, cercando invece la felicità nelle opinioni altrui.

Quando parliamo o scriviamo una lettera a qualcuno, evitiamo di dire spesso e senza una ragione valida "non ho tempo', e non dovremmo costantemente delegare i nostri doveri nelle relazioni con chi ci circonda sostenendo che siamo oberati da impegni.

Ho sviluppato la disponibilità a riavvicinarmi e riconciliarmi con chi si è irritato o ha mancato nei miei confronti, non appena decide di tornare sui suoi passi.

Lukas

The Spartans at their public shows set seats for strangers in the shade, but sat themselves where they found room.

Yourself a slave, your speech cannot be free

“Thou art a poor soul, saddled with a corpse,” said Epictetus.

Space Cowboy

No one will prevent you living in accordance with the principle of your own nature: nothing will happen to you contrary to the principle of universal nature.

Remember how long you have been putting this off, how many times you have been given a period of grace by the gods and not used it. It is high time now for you to understand the universe of which you are a part, and the governor of that universe of whom you constitute an emanation: and that there is a limit circumscribed to your time if you do not use it to clear away your clouds, it will be gone, and you will be gone, and the opportunity will not return.

Lloyd Humphreys

"Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize?"

"How much more grievous are the consequences of anger than the causes of it."

In one of the world's most famous and influential books, Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius describes the stoic precepts he used to cope with his life as a warrior and ruler of an empire. Beautiful hardcover edition of a specially modernized version of the classic George Long translation.

Mihai Nueleanu

This is a hard one to review, maybe even impossible? It's extremely interesting in both content and context. Reading the history of the book is almost as fascinating as reading the book itself.

Ultimately, it reads as what it is: a personal journal. There's a humanity beyond the wisdom and the philosophy that I find at least as fascinating as the actual "meditations". The context behind individual entries that can only be guessed at. The repetition of ideas that hints at an all to human struggle to bridge the gulf between who one aims to be and who one actually is. 

By all accounts, Marcus Aurelius was a great man. Here we see the struggle, the self-admonishing, the doubt, the long passages mixed with the short ones, hinting at the alternating weather of the soul: here calm, there stormy. Just a human being trying to figure things out.

Paulo Coelho Alves

This is a hard one to review, maybe even impossible? It's extremely interesting in both content and context. Reading the history of the book is almost as fascinating as reading the book itself.

Ultimately, it reads as what it is: a personal journal. There's a humanity beyond the wisdom and the philosophy that I find at least as fascinating as the actual "meditations". The context behind individual entries that can only be guessed at. The repetition of ideas that hints at an all to human struggle to bridge the gulf between who one aims to be and who one actually is. 

By all accounts, Marcus Aurelius was a great man. Here we see the struggle, the self-admonishing, the doubt, the long passages mixed with the short ones, hinting at the alternating weather of the soul: here calm, there stormy. Just a human being trying to figure things out.

A historical gem and great intro to stoicism. Lost a star for repetitiveness that couldn’t really be helped due to the medium, but it was rough to keep reading about this guy repetitively try to make himself feel better about mortality as well as having a slave owner keep talking about things have a natural order (including slavery)

something to come back and read every now and then

robert preswick

Tanner Christensen

I find myself returning to Meditations from time-to-time as the years pass, and it always gives me a feeling of rejuvenation, a reminder of enlightenment. Aurelius' words are as timeless as they are impactful. He reminds us, in so few words, how to live not only a good life, but a fulfilled life. One of purpose, passion, and virtue.

There are many translations which do a poor job of executing Aurelius' work, but the gist of the lessons are simple enough to make it through (if you can get over the terrible formatting, i.e. Kindle).

Reihan Maulana

"Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius is a journal where Aurelius may have documented his experiences, including difficult days, to help control his mind. He journals everything he can think of that he’s grateful for. His thoughts on the impermanence of life, the importance of self-discipline, and the pursuit of inner tranquility are insightful. 

For me, it's a little hard to read, but I managed to get through it. "Meditations" is one of my favorite philosphy books because when I read it, I always get the impression of a mind diligently trying to work things out, rather than that of a master philosopher who already has all the answers.

matej yangwao

Amor Fati. Memento Mori. 

“The only thing over which we have total control in life is our own behavior and how we react to other people's actions.”

Offers a modern translation of the Roman philosopher's journal.

The Meditations

Mitch Stewart

This is one of the best non-fiction books I've ever read. I read it in paperback and highlighted everything I thought was wise and useful for me in life, I ended up needing to buy a new pack of highlighters. A MUST READ.

A read a passage a day kind of book. I carry a copy on me.

Jacob Medure

I could relate to some meditations and even annotated a lot of quotes and even though I do love repetitions in literature this time it felt kinda tiring. I connected with the book but just not wholly, I love the stoic philosophy but unfortunately I’m just not that unbothered peaceful person. 

Yalin Tsikun

I found myself re-reading sections of this during a particularly hard week. it left such an indelible impression on me

Xin Ma

'Their icy blasts are refreshing and restorative. They tell you the worst. And having heard the worst, you feel less bad' Blake Morrison Written in Greek by the only Roman emperor who was also a philosopher, without any intention of publication, the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius offer a remarkable series of challenging spiritual reflections and exercises developed as the emperor struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. While the Meditations were composed to provide personal consolation and encouragement, Marcus Aurelius also created one of the greatest of all works of philosophy: a timeless collection that has been consulted and admired by statesmen, thinkers and readers throughout the centuries. Translated with notes by MARTIN HAMMOND with an Introduction by DISKIN CLAY

Penguin Classics

C. J. Daley 

I think this is one of the coolest things ever that in 2020 I can not only read something written by a Roman emperor, but can also listen to the audio recording of the translation. I’ve read that these were his own musings, that he never intended them to be published, so in that sense I give him/it even more credit. However, this was (one of?) the first (?) of it’s kind and it lead pretty obviously to the genre of self-help books which are my absolutely enemies. It is in that sense that this falls short for me. Regardless if you’re a philosopher-emperor or a modern celebrity or self-made millionaire, I just genuinely don’t care for it.

Gavin

In a sense, people are our proper occupation. Our job is to do them good and put up with them.

Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

Have you ever read a book that's been so transformational, that you didn't want to reach the end of it? This was that book for me. It's full of timeless wisdom that will positively influence the way you think.

Matthew Royal

A lot of food for thought. Marcus Aurelius kept repeating himself that that which does not harm the whole cannot harm the part. This is demonstrably untrue, but I understand his purpose in meditating on the end of one's life and the return of your body's matter to the "universe." Definitely will re-read this in a few years to see if I have a better handle on his purpose.

A major new translation of one of the most influential and admired books of the ages--the wisdom and advice from the Emperor of Rome, 161-180 A.D.--includes a new introduction.

Charlotte Dann

Milo

Amina Madadi (ⴰⵎⵉⵏⴰ)

My review will be postponed until I go through this book once again, no wonder Marcus Aurelius was one of the greatest roman emperors ever, this book is endless wisdom, and a sea of vertues, you do your best to memorize, you even take notes but you end up willing to read it once more..

Nelson Zagalo

As "Meditações" foram escritas sob a forma de diário, sem qualquer intenção de publicação, e desta forma mais do que comunicar com o outro, Marco Aurélio procurava encontrar-se a si mesmo. Como o oleiro que molda peça atrás de peça em busca do ideal total, Marco Aurélio tecia considerações sobre a realidade que vivia e as leituras que fazia, colocava-as em confronto, gerava questões e procurava respostas. Foi esta abordagem, possibilitada por uma curiosidade incessante, que tornou Meditações num livro capaz de sobreviver a 2 milénios de história, mantendo-se até hoje completamente atual.

Diga-se que a atualidade de Meditações tem mais que ver com a biologia do que com a filosofia, ou seja, mais do que dar conta da durabilidade das ideias aqui debatidas, o facto de elas debaterem a essência da vida (nos seus aspectos racionais, sociais e emocionais), e o facto da configuração que permite vida no planeta praticamente não se ter alterado, faz com que grande parte das ideias aqui discutidas mantenham toda a sua aplicabilidade. Ao longo da leitura não poucas vezes damos por nós a surpreender-nos com a mesquinhez, as necessidades, as veleidades e desejos que ocorriam então tal como continuam a ocorrer hoje. Se os ensinamentos presentes em Meditações são relevantes, embora pertencentes a um quadro filosófico mais amplo — o estoicismo —, hoje não menos relevante é a comparação entre o pensamento e forma de estar em 180 e agora passados 2000 anos.

“Whatever this is that I am, it is flesh and a little spirit and an intelligence.” [Livro 2]

“Our life is what our thoughts make it.” [Livro 4]

Apesar de romano, Marco Aurélio fundamenta toda a sua discussão no pensamento grego que nesta altura tinha já quinhentos anos de existência. Por isso não parte do vazio, nem terá nada de muito novo para dizer, já que grande parte dos ideais aqui debatidos provêm de toda uma corrente filosófica que parte de Zenão (-300), passa por Cicero (-100) e Seneca (0) até chegar a Marco Aurélio (180). Aquilo que torna Meditações único é na verdade a sua forma, o carácter intimista e confessional que confere ao relato um carácter de profunda honestidade e humildade, garantindo ao conteúdo toda uma maior carga de verossimilhança.

Diga-se que o estoicismo não era propriamente uma abordagem filosófica que pudesse exercer, à partida, grande atração sobre alguém com tanto poder e acesso a tudo, como um imperador. O movimento roçava o religioso, embora defendendo a construção de conhecimento pela razão, professava uma doutrina de princípios duros, rotulando o prazer como inimigo da sabedoria, a virtude como a única forma de chegar à felicidade, e a negação da sensorialidade incluindo toda a dor, física ou mental. Deste modo ler as palavras de alguém tão poderoso, falando para si mesmo, buscando forças e justificativas para controlar o ímpeto humano, é no mínimo sedutor, mas acima de tudo profundamente inspirador.

"Men seek retreats for themselves, houses in the country, sea-shores, and mountains; and thou too art wont to desire such things very much. But this is altogether a mark of the most common sort of men, for it is in thy power whenever thou shalt choose to retire into thyself. For nowhere either with more quiet or more freedom from trouble does a man retire than into his own soul."[Livro 4]

"The mind which is free from passions is a citadel, for man has nothing more secure to which he can fly for refuge and for the future be inexpugnable. He then who has not seen this is an ignorant man: but he who has seen it and does not fly to this refuge is unhappy." [Livro 8] 

"The happiness and unhappiness of the rational, social animal depends not on what he feels but on what he does; just as his virtue and vice consist not in feeling but in doing." [Livro 9]

Meditações acaba por resultar numa espécie de código de conduta para a “nobreza de espírito”, pelo que professa assim como pela frontalidade e humildade com que professa, não admirando que ao longo dos séculos tenha servido de inspiração a muitos homens de estado preocupados com o dever e o servir.


Nota: Dado o carácter algo aforístico do livro pululam na web dezenas de supostas citações de Marco Aurélio que não o são.

Também em: http://virtual-illusion.blogspot.pt/2...

Dave Perkins

Vince Nguyen

Such a masterpiece.. truly an inspiring book. It boggled my mind how an emperor could be writing such humbling passage. Could not find a better way to begin my stoic journey.

Bryan Maniotakis

Easily one of my favorite books of all time, and something I'll be revisiting for years to come. While the format doesn't make for a consistent read, the short sentences and points make this a great reference book for the future.

My only critique is that Marcus was focused on morality more than anything else, so throughout the books, some of his points around the topic can start to feel somewhat repetitive.

I've never used a highlighter in a book (other than a textbook) in my life, and now this book is absolutely covered. Can't wait to read this again.

I highly recommend the Gregory Hays (2nd edition) translation.

A new series of beautiful hardcover nonfiction classics, with covers designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith World-changing ideas meet eye-catching design: the best titles of the extraordinarily successful Great Ideas series are now packaged in Coralie Bickford-Smith's distinctive, award-winning covers. Whether on a well-curated shelf or in your back pocket, these timeless works of philosophical, political, and psychological thought are absolute musthaves for book collectors as well as design enthusiasts.

Grace O'Callaghan

What a truly fascinating book this was. If you don’t know Meditations is the personal writings of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius.

It is always interesting to read things that are never supposed to be published. I think it is even more raw and personal than writing a biography or memoir that you know other people will read. Marcus himself was supposed to be the only audience so it feels to me as if this is one of the most honest things I’ve ever read.

It may have been my translation but I found it surprisingly easy to read and understand. You’d think that a 21st century woman couldn’t possibly relate to a 2nd century emperor. Yet I did. He struggled with getting out of bed in the morning, with being a good man, with not losing his temper. His meditations are a reminder to himself amongst the chaos of his life to focus only on what he can control and to do something about it.

Marcus seemed to be very hard on himself but tolerant of others. I think that’s a good way to live. Recognise that humans are flawed and imperfect and that you cannot control other people. Focus on your reaction to their flaws and be kind to them.

I am most grateful to this book for giving me some calm. He often talks about how little life we have in the grand scheme of the universe. That we shouldn’t worry about things we can’t control. It’s oddly comforting that we get such a small and finite life. That when our time comes we should accept it.

Overall, a wonderful book. I can’t wait to read it for years to come.

Diana Platgalve

Timeless book! Will help you to regain perspective in the chaotic universe we find ourselves in. By understanding your place in the universe and space-time you’ll regain the inner strength to utilise the time you have. The author is inviting us to reduce our life to perfect simplicity-pursuing truth, justice, kindness and modesty. As by following lust and desires you’re losing your reason. 
Marcus Aurelius, being one of the most influential followers of stoic philosophy, reminds us that nature is the only reality and that we are a part of it. By altering our mind, we must learn how to accept things that are out of our control, because our perspective is the only part we can control. Personal clarity will help to recognise problems that are created in the mind, and lead happier life welcoming death at any moment. Death, in a sense, as decomposition of elements you’re made of. 

Meditating upon change and relation of all things in the universe will help you to remember that all being is one substance, and that present is the only thing you have. 

After reading this book it will be hard to keep unrealistic perspectives of reality. 

P.s. and stop complaining.

Simon Elliott Stegall

Two out of five is roughly the ratio of wisdom to fluff in this book.

Meditations The Philosophy Classic

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