Meditations: A New Translation 1St Edition Edition

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

1,543 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 (1,543 customer reviews)
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,076 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #4 in Books > Textbooks > Humanities > Philosophy > Ethics
- #7 in Books > Textbooks > Humanities > Philosophy > History & Surveys
- #17 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > New Age & Spirituality > Spiritualism

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Top customer reviews

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.

1515 comments 462 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

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 169 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.

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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

Stoic meditations

ByMeion June 5, 2011

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

The Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius wrote his 'Thoughts' between 170 and 180. Other titles assigned to the same book are: 'Personal Notes', 'Meditations', 'The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius' et al. It is one of the few complete works of a late Stoic philosopher that still exists today. He wrote his 'Thoughts' as personal notes for himself. He writes about solidarity, physical adversity, good and evil, inner freedom and more. 'Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius' is a book full of wisdom that brings comfort and contemplation; it is moving and inspiring. I highly recommend it.

This edition was originally translated into English by George Long in 1862 and edited by Edwin Ginn in 1893. Ginn has written the first 8% of the Kindle edition (preface, biographical sketch), and the last 15% (on the philosophy of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus). The 'Thoughs' of Marcus Aurelius are grouped in 12 'books' (chapters). The first book is clearly different from the other eleven; it is a 'thank you' to people who have had a good influence on him. For example: 'From my grandfather Verus (I learned) good morals and the government of my temper.' (I.1). The other eleven books contain his notes. His Stoic philosophy emphasizes ethics, especially everyday problems. This book is in the public domain and can be downloaded for free from several websites.

Some quotations from this book:
Since it is possible that thou mayest depart from life this very moment, regulate every act and thought accordingly. (II.11)
Be cheerful also, and seek not external help nor the tranquillity which others give. A man then must stand erect, not be kept erect by others. (III.5)
Always run to the short way; and the short way is the natural: accordingly say and do everything in conformity with the soundest reason. For such a purpose frees a man from trouble, and warfare, and all artifice and ostentatious display. (IV.51)

11 comment 41 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

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Three Stars

Only 3 stars because the Greg Hays translation is much easier to read.

Published 1 day ago by Jason Baron

This is a physically beautiful little book

This is a physically beautiful little book. It's 8" x 5" with a buttery cover printed on beautiful paper. The text is 99 pages long with a 5 page intro. Beautiful.Read more

Published 1 day ago by TM

Five Stars

Great book at a great price.

Published 1 day ago by airthus airth

Worth a read

Easy to read but verbose and repetitive. Some typos but tolerable. I suggest sticking to the first couple of chapters and glance thru the later ones.Read more

Published 2 days ago by Yang Yu

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 3 days 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 3 days ago by Lisa

A foundational book in ethics and philosophy.

The old wisdom still rings true.

Published 3 days 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 4 days 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 4 days 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 4 days ago by Susanna Isaac

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