Meditations: A New Translation 1St Edition Edition

by Marcus Aurelius (Author), Gregory Hays (Translator)

1,539 customer reviews

ISBN-13: 978-0812968255

ISBN-10: 0812968255

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A new translation, with an Introduction, by Gregory Hays

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (a.d. 121–180) succeeded his adoptive father as emperor of Rome in a.d. 161—and Meditations remains one of the greatest works of spiritual and ethical reflection ever written. With a profound understanding of human behavior, Marcus provides insights, wisdom, and practical guidance on everything from living in the world to coping with adversity to interacting with others. Consequently, the Meditations have become required reading for statesmen and philosophers alike, while generations of ordinary readers have responded to the straightforward intimacy of his style. In Gregory Hays’s new translation—the first in a generation—Marcus’s thoughts speak with a new immediacy: never before have they been so directly and powerfully presented.

Meditations: A New Translation

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

One measure, perhaps, of a book's worth, is its intergenerational pliancy: do new readers acquire it and interpret it afresh down through the ages? The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, translated and introduced by Gregory Hays, by that standard, is very worthwhile, indeed. Hays suggests that its most recent incarnation--as a self-help book--is not only valid, but may be close to the author's intent. The book, which Hays calls, fondly, a "haphazard set of notes," is indicative of the role of philosophy among the ancients in that it is "expected to provide a 'design for living.'" And it does, both aphoristically ("Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now take what's left and live it properly.") and rhetorically ("What is it in ourselves that we should prize?"). Whether these, and other entries ("Enough of this wretched, whining monkey life.") sound life-changing or like entries in a teenager's diary is up to the individual reader, as it should be. Hays's introduction, which sketches the life of Marcus Aurelius (emperor of Rome A.D. 161-180) as well as the basic tenets of stoicism, is accessible and jaunty. --H. O'Billovich --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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“Here, for our age, is [Marcus’s] great work presented in its entirety, strongly introduced and freshly, elegantly translated.” —Robert Fagles

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Product details

Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Modern Library; 1St Edition edition (May 6, 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0812968255
ISBN-13: 978-0812968255
Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.6 x 8 inches
Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1,539 customer reviews)
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,641 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #3 in Books > Textbooks > Humanities > Philosophy > Ethics
- #6 in Books > Textbooks > Humanities > Philosophy > History & Surveys
- #15 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Philosophy > Greek & Roman

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A word of caution

ByNom de Bloomon July 23, 2016

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Amazon lumps different translations together as merely variations on how the book is delivered. In this case, the Hays translation is the hardcover, while the authors who translated the paperback and Kindle versions aren't specified. So use the tools available (look inside, free sample) to get an idea of the language used by the author and see if it's something you'd like to read, or if a different translation suits you better.

22 comments 165 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

It's worth trying different translations

Bydavidhmorganon September 25, 2013

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I don't know who did the translation for this one but I found it very difficult to follow. This prompted me to look around and I found another translation by George Long (Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus 1862). Even though it's not a recent translation, Long's version is often easier to understand. Compare the translations of the first paragraph for example:

This version:

Of my grandfather Verus I have learned to be gentle and meek, and to refrain from all anger and passion. From the fame and memory of him that begot me I have learned both shamefastness and manlike behaviour. Of my mother I have learned to be religious, and bountiful; and to forbear, not only to do, but to intend any evil; to content myself with a spare diet, and to fly all such excess as is incidental to great wealth. Of my great-grandfather, both to frequent public schools and auditories, and to get me good and able teachers at home; and that I ought not to think much, if upon such occasions, I were at excessive charges.

George Long's version:

From my grandfather Verus I learned good morals and the government of my temper. From the reputation and remembrance of my father, modesty and a manly character. From my mother, piety and beneficence, and abstinence, not only from evil deeds, but even from evil thoughts; and further, simplicity in my way of living, far removed from the habits of the rich. From my great-grandfather, not to have frequented public schools, and to have had good teachers at home, and to know that on such things a man should spend liberally.

Having said this however, it's still worth comparing both translations which are free on the Kindle.

1414 comments 457 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

We haven't changed.

ByAmazon Customeron March 3, 2017

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

A great way to figure out that all of the technological advancements and greater understanding of nature has not changed man a single bit. We are still the same creatures we were 1,500 years ago.

11 comment 14 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

a superlative translation

Bygarwoodon August 25, 2010

Format: Mass Market PaperbackVerified Purchase

Other reviewers here have commented about the work itself, so I would just add a note about this specific translation.

One of the most difficult tasks for a reader interested in non-English language work (and works from classical times in particular) is to choose an appropriate translation. Of course, what counts as `appropriate' is somewhat subjective.

What I was looking for was a translation that is clear and accurate; one that manages to convey something of a feeling for the both the person who wrote, and the times they wrote in. In this Staniforth excels.

Unlike say, the Benjamin Jowett translation of Plato which (at least to my ears) has a distinctly Victorian ring, or the popular new age paraphrases of many of the Stoics (and in truth they are paraphrases or adaptations rather than translations), to me Staniforth (whose translation dates from 1964) strikes just the right balance.

The words of Marcus Aurelius are rendered intelligibly and with a dignity and awareness of the historical context. The reader is neither forced to re-read and ponder (i.e., speculatively re-translate), nor wince at inappropriate colloquialisms of 21st century English. Better still, one can immediately perceive and appreciate the times in which the work was written. No mean accomplishment, to say the least.

Of course, each reader needs to make this judgment for themselves. Amazon provides an excellent (and free) way of doing this with its `search inside this book' feature, which is enormously useful for anyone making this decision.

1010 comments 357 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Second Sight and Sixth Sense

ByKristy Vonon April 12, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

This is Marcus Aurelius', the last of the five great Roman emperors, personal diary which he had written for his eyes only. It is short and easy to read with brilliant insights. Well worth the read. Over the years, I've read it three times. Aurelius, such as Aquinas and a Kempis and Augustine, were gifted with second sight and sixth sense in understanding human nature.

0Comment 3 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Archaic translation, but the meanings are still there

Bydoctormamaon June 24, 2014

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

The Meditations, based on the ancient Stoic philosophy, contain many valuable life lessons. I had read them before, in a more modern translation, and recalled much of value. This translation is all "thou mayest not recall thine own ...." and so on. If you can work your way through the King James Bible, you'll be OK with this translation. If not, try a different one.

0Comment 7 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Pearls of wisdom for life

ByAmazon Customeron December 20, 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

If you have ever been in a situation where you are powerless, helpless and hopeless, and wondered to yourself how cruel and pointless life really is then I will promise you will find this book both interesting and useful. Just don't forget that Marcus Aurelius was an emperor and he had these things to say about life and none of us are the most powerful man in the world, so more the reason to trust the genuineness of his words and thoughts.

0Comment 3 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Progress towards perfection......

Bytorontoon March 28, 2013

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

This is an excellent replacement for the earlier World's Classic's "Farquharson/Rutherford" edition. The language is a little updated ("sluggard" is now "dilatory") but nothing radical: it all reads well. The notes are more comprehensive, and the bibliography, references, etc., more up to date.

It is interesting that the Loeb library, which has been updating all measure of texts, is still using the 1916 edition of the original Greek Meditations.

0Comment 15 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

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Most recent customer reviews

Excellent translation

This translation is simple and easy to read. I've already read this book multiple times and I try to read a little each day to keep the teachings fresh in my mind.

Published 2 hours ago by Rich

This is an amazing book, easy to read and filled with useful ...

This is an amazing book, easy to read and filled with useful quotes to be used in everyday life.

Published 4 hours ago by Lisa

A foundational book in ethics and philosophy.

The old wisdom still rings true.

Published 11 hours ago by Lee

Great Book at a Great Price.

I read this book after hearing that it is the defense secretary's favorite book that he carries around with him everywhere he goes.Read more

Published 1 day ago by LJ

Good quality.

Just wanted I was hoping for and more. it is strongly recommended. Great gadget! gets the job done I am thinking if I need to bought another one so that I don't have to search...Read more

Published 1 day ago by Veromca

I like its high quality. Everyone thinks I am so lucky to buy it.

works well and will probably continue to do so I believe I have purchased products are suitable for their own, the price on Amazon is a very good quality product sales is very...Read more

Published 1 day ago by Susanna Isaac

I bought this for my family, it's really good, they really like it. They have the name of the label, and so on, I'm sure I'll order it again.

Received product in timely fashion. Product is just as described in details. Works great, showed up on time. All around good experience with product and seller.Read more

Published 1 day ago by Mamie Moulton

Good value.

This is a very good product, taking into account the price, I will buy a new one when I need it next time.Read more

Published 1 day ago by Hardy Constance

Very fine print whole way through

Very fine print whole way through , Advertised as 80 something pages , but its half , need a magnifying glass to read it, says it George Long Translation but it has no intro , no...Read more

Published 1 day ago by Duane Harris

Five Stars

Best translation by far. I keep it by my bedside.

Published 1 day ago by Anthony Sisco

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