Meditations (Penguin Classics)

by Marcus Aurelius (Author), Martin Hammond (Translator)

2,005 customer reviews

ISBN-13: 978-0140449334

ISBN-10: 0140449337

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A leading translation of Stoic philosophy in wise and practical aphorisms that have inspired Bill Clinton, Ryan Holiday, Anna Kendrick and many more.

Written in Greek by an intellectual Roman emperor without any intention of publication, the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius offer a wide range of fascinating spiritual reflections and exercises developed as the leader struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Spanning from doubt and despair to conviction and exaltation, they cover such diverse topics as the question of virtue, human rationality, the nature of the gods and the values of leadership. But while the Meditations were composed to provide personal consolation, in developing his beliefs Marcus also created one of the greatest of all works of philosophy: a series of wise and practical aphorisms that have been consulted and admired by statesmen, thinkers and ordinary readers for almost two thousand years.

To provide a full understanding of Aurelius's seminal work, this edition includes explanatory notes, a general index, an index of quotations, an index of names, and an introduction by Diskin Clay putting the work in its biographical, historical, and literary context, a chronology of Marcus Aurelius's life and career.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

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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

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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.

"From the Trade Paperback edition.

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Product details

Series: Penguin Classics
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Penguin Classics (October 31, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0140449337
ISBN-13: 978-0140449334
Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.7 x 7.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 2,005 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #202,638 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #241 in Books > Textbooks > Humanities > Philosophy > Ethics
- #277 in Books > Textbooks > Humanities > History > Ancient
- #338 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Philosophy > Greek & Roman

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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.

724 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.

993 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.

388 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.

72 people found this helpful

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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.

50 people found this helpful

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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.

29 people found this helpful

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mike

I recommend it.

This was a calming influence for me considering the confusion and turmoil of today's America. I recommend it.

Published 1 hour ago

Kiran Kota

Don’t get the audiobook

Content is good but don’t get the audiobook. It’s monotonous beyond belief and impossible to pay attention to for any meaningful amount of time

Published 1 day ago

Amazon Customer

I recommend putting this book in the bathroom and every time ...

I recommend putting this book in the bathroom and every time you go to the toilet, I rather read this book than scroll on Instagram and you receive so much knowledge! Recommended

Really enjoying this book

Published 2 days ago

READ

Amazing book with insights into the thinking of an emperor.

Published 4 days ago

EricMurray

Clearly read, gets you thinking

Well read. I feel like it gets my mind working again. It's a refreshing perspective on just about everything. I'm impressed how knowledge from this long ago still applies.

Published 4 days ago

Your Personal Warlock

Well worth the $4 price of a required read.

1* Pocket size
2* Large type
3* Short Read
4* Translation relatable
-1* Said tranlation feels *weak" and the work overly edited.Read more

Published 4 days ago

B. F.

Commodus should have listened to his father

One of the best books on stoic philosophy. Never meant to be published, almost a stoic "diary." Get inside Emperor Marcus Aurelius' head and change your life for the...Read more

Published 5 days ago

Anthony

Five Stars

I am still reading so still holding on to my comment

Published 6 days ago

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