Marcus Aurelius

George Long

Unabridged private reflections of the Emperor of Rome, on how one is to exist in a world of chaos. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius and in the most accepted translation by George Long, is a book that belongs on everyone's shelf. A favorite of Bill Clinton and John Steinbeck, and influencer of many others for 2,000 years, it is as relevant today to those in power struggles over empires and boardrooms as it was when it was first recorded. This Value Classic Reprint provides a slim volume with full text at an affordable price.

Meditations

Not understanding someone else’s feelings is okay, but it’s your job to understand yourself.

Marcel

Failure to read what is happening in another's soul is not easily seen as a cause of unhappiness: but those who fail to attend to the motions of their own soul are necessarily unhappy.

aybüke

...But nature has set limits to this too, just as it has to eating and drinking, and yet you go beyond these limits, beyond what you need. Not in your actions, though, not any longer: here you stay below your capability.         

The point is that you do not love yourself – otherwise you would love both your own nature and her purpose for you.

In all this murk and dirt, in all this flux of being, time, movement, things moved, I cannot begin to see what on earth there is to value or even to aim for. Rather the opposite: one should console oneself with the anticipation of natural release, not impatient of its delay, but taking comfort in just these two thoughts. One, that nothing will happen to me which is not in accordance with the nature of the Whole: the other, that it is in my control to do nothing contrary to my god and the divinity within me – no one can force me to this offence.

I am made up of the causal and the material. Neither of these will disappear into nothing, just as neither came to be out of nothing. So every part of me will be assigned its changed place in some part of the universe, and that will change again into another part of the universe, and so on to infinity. A similar sequence of change brought me into existence, and my parents before me, and so back in another infinity of regression. Nothing forbids this assertion, even if the universe is subject to the completion of cycles.

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?

Your mind will take on the character of your most frequent thoughts: souls are dyed by thoughts.

What is death? Someone looking at death per se, and applying the analytical power of his mind to divest death of its associated images, will conclude then that it is nothing more than a function of nature – and if anyone is frightened of a function of nature, he is a mere child. And death is not only a function of nature, but also to her benefit.

...and at all times awaiting death with the glad confidence that it is nothing more than the dissolution of the elements of which every living crea ture is composed. Now if there is nothing fearful for the elements themselves in their constant changing of each into another, why should one look anxiously in prospect at the change and dissolution of them all? This is in accordance with nature: and nothing harmful is in accordance with nature.

But what in any case is everlasting memory? Utter emptiness.

There is a river of creation, and time is a violent stream. As soon as one thing comes into sight, it is swept past and another is carried down: it too will be taken on its way.

You are a soul carrying a corpse, as Epictetus used to say.

Gladly surrender yourself to Clotho: let her spin your thread into whatever web she wills.

How does man touch god, with what part of his being, and when that part of him is in what sort of disposition?

Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

Frank Huang

The mind, unconquered by violent passions, is a citadel, for a man has no fortress more impregnable in which to find refuge and remain safe forever.

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.

Christian Bager Bach Houmann

It was quite the experience to dive into the thoughts of Marcus Aurelius, and comparing them to the modern ways of thinking and then seeing how true they still stand truly astound me.

Solid thinking and so impressive to see just how little has changed about the human condition since 2000 years ago.

The book itself though is a bit tough to read, with no real sense of progression

Solid thinking and so impressive to see just how little has changed about the human condition since 2000 years ago.

The book itself though is a bit tough to read, with no real sense of progression

Ghofran Mustafa 

I felt like this book chose me not the other way around..

Reiza H

Kind of a hard book for me since I had some difficulties to understand some of the words.

But I’m so glad I finished it. I learn to understand Stoic’s perspectives of Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor, one of the most powerful people in those times, that even an emperor can think clearly of his mortal life, contemplate it, and even wrote a book as a note to himself (he never intended to publish it.)

For about 200s pages of this book, The Emperor comes back to life, teaching me about the nature of life, how it’s not important to think about one’s judgement other than your own, to do everything with a purpose in mind, to be more closer to God, and to be at peace with your own mind and soul.

This book is almost over 2000 years old and yet, the topics he addressed is still as important as it was back then. Topics about life, consciousness, purpose of life, and death, is an everlasting topics. It’s still as relevant, to look into a stoic’s mind, almost 2000 years ago.

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.

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.

Meditations

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