Meditations: A New Translation 1St Edition Edition

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

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ISBN-13: 978-0812968255

ISBN-10: 0812968255

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Nearly two thousand years after it was written, Meditations remains profoundly relevant for anyone seeking to lead a meaningful life.

Few ancient works have been as influential as the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, philosopher and emperor of Rome (A.D. 161–180). A series of spiritual exercises filled with wisdom, practical guidance, and profound understanding of human behavior, it remains one of the greatest works of spiritual and ethical reflection ever written. Marcus’s insights and advice—on everything from living in the world to coping with adversity and interacting with others—have made the Meditations required reading for statesmen and philosophers alike, while generations of ordinary readers have responded to the straightforward intimacy of his style. For anyone who struggles to reconcile the demands of leadership with a concern for personal integrity and spiritual well-being, the Meditations remains as relevant now as it was two thousand years ago.

In Gregory Hays’s new translation—the first in thirty-five years—Marcus’s thoughts speak with a new immediacy. In fresh and unencumbered English, Hays vividly conveys the spareness and compression of the original Greek text. Never before have Marcus’s insights been so directly and powerfully presented.

With an Introduction that outlines Marcus’s life and career, the essentials of Stoic doctrine, the style and construction of the Meditations, and the work’s ongoing influence, this edition makes it possible to fully rediscover the thoughts of one of the most enlightened and intelligent leaders of any era.

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Editorial Reviews

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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

From the Inside Flap

A series of spiritual exercises filled with wisdom, practical guidance, and profound understanding of human behavior, Marcus Aurelius's "Meditations remains one of the greatest works of spiritual and ethical reflection ever written. Marcus's insights and advice--on everything from living in the world to coping with adversity and interacting with others--have made the "Meditations 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.

See all Editorial Reviews

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 0.5 x 8 inches
Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 2,030 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,383 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2 in Books > Textbooks > Humanities > Philosophy > History & Surveys
- #2 in Books > Textbooks > Humanities > Philosophy > Ethics
- #3 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > New Age & Spirituality > Spiritualism

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Nom de Bloom

A word of caution

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.

755 people found this helpful

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davidhmorgan

It's worth trying different translations

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.

1,025 people found this helpful

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May 11, 2014

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard, accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature.”

Before I get into details, I must say that reading Meditations was one of the hardest, but most rewarding experiences in my own personal growth. The book has done so much to ferment my prior beliefs and has helped a lot to broaden my mind and encourage me to be all that I can be.

It is very difficult in today’s world to believe in anything, whether it be divine beings, other people, or even ourselves. It is an epidemic that buries potential and love deep down and leaves anger and frustration to dictate life.

There is no reason to feel unhappy, unfulfilled, or unappreciated , and Meditations by Marcus Aurelius offers advice to anyone who is looking for self help, self love, and a rational way of directing life.

Before reading this book it is interesting to know the man that wrote it. Marcus Aurelius was the last of The Five Good Emperors of Ancient Rome. He took the title of Augustus after the death of his adopted father, Antoninus Pius, the adopted son of the late Emperor Hadrian.

However Marcus Aurelius had tried to pass on the emperorship, for he prefered a much more simple philosophic lifestyle. He accepted the honor with the sole demand that Lucius Verus, his adopted brother, would share the seat with him.

Sharing his seat of power is the one move that summarizes Marcus Aurelius’s entire life; the fear of power and the duty embedded in him through his interest in Stoicism, a philosophy that grounds itself on self-restraint, reason, and fate.

His work is a reflection of his life, and the words inscribed in Meditations are the product of his own thoughts and his own experiences. While reading this book good feelings will begin to surface through introspection, and in turn bad feelings will be expelled.

In my everyday life quotes from his book swim in my mind when I am met with difficult situations, and they enable me to make smarter more thought out and rational decisions. It is fascinating and rewarding each time I don’t simply act on impulse.

This book is not for entertainment, not for adventure, and it is definitely not a “light read.” It is a book that will help those who seek help, irritate those who don’t, and fascinate those who wish to learn and grow.

395 people found this helpful

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The M4chin3

and Socrates is my great uncle and Thales is my grand father

March 7, 2017

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

I am sincerely pissed that I was not provided a copy of this as a kid growing up. I have devised a work around to the whole "Not growing up with a father figure" issue. I have decided that Marcus Aurealis is my actual father, and Socrates is my great uncle and Thales is my grand father. I realize this sounds nutty to read but I honestly feel more in common with these thinkers then the absent XY chromosome donor.

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ChaunceyTop Contributor: Photography

Excellent Edition of the Greatest Text Ever Written

July 9, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

First, do we all recognize that the author of this text, Marcus Aurelius, was a Roman Emperor? If so, why have I not been forced to read this from a young age? This is quite possibly the most insightful, existential book I've ever read. Emperor Aurelius has given us wisdom in its purest form. This should be a manual for every human's life. Every sentence is mind-numbingly profound. This book is so good, that I might just have the entire text tattooed on my body. I cannot stress enough that the sagacity of this book is beyond what I have ever read. Definitely a must-read and a must-live-by.

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Stoic in Training

This is one of the best books I've ever read about anything

May 27, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

You could go your whole life reading the Meditations and Seneca's letters and still not understand Stoicism the way Hadot can teach you in 300 pages. This is one of the best books I've ever read about anything; it is a true masterpiece and a shame that so few people will ever read it. Do yourself a favor and dive in.

55 people found this helpful

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Five Stars

great book

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Five Stars

Wonderful translation. Very personal / straight-forward. 10/10 Would recommend

Don't die without reading this book.

Published 1 day ago

Amazon Customer

BE CAREFUL TO GET THE RIGHT TRANSLATION!

I purchased the hardcover version of this book expecting the translation to be by Greg Hayes. This was based on other reviews I read.Read more

Published 3 days ago

Ryan E Lewis

Buy this book now.

You need to read this book. We all do.

Published 4 days ago

donnymisk

Five Stars

Translation makes for easy reading.

Published 5 days ago

chris

Helps with my anger

Good book, quick read

Published 5 days ago

J.Rodriguez

Modern Advice from an Ancient Teacher

Surprisingly common viewpoints that can be taken for modern life from an ancient teacher. As a Star Trek I can see where Gene and the writers got some of their inspiration for...Read more

Published 5 days ago

J J

... ethical issues in a personal manner that one can easily identify with

It is inspiring and drives ethical issues in a personal manner that one can easily identify with.

Published 6 days ago

stephanie

i'm sure it was perfect

gave as a gift, i'm sure it was perfect

Published 7 days ago

bookworm.mack

Most important book ever written!

I find it sad more people don't know about this book! I recommend it to everyone. I will say that I bought this copy/version as a gift and I think other publishers of this book...Read more

Published 7 days ago

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