Meditations

Name: Meditations
Brand: Naxos
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.14 (42 reviews)
Author: Marcus Aurelius
ISBN: 9789629549671

Author: Marcus Aurelius

Narrator: Duncan Steen

Unabridged: 5 hr 9 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Naxos

Published: 04/26/2010

Categories: Nonfiction, Philosophy

Synopsis

One of the most significant books ever written by a head of State, the Meditations are a collection of philosophical thoughts by the Emperor Marcus Aurelius (121–180 ce). Covering issues such as duty, forgiveness, brotherhood, strength in adversity and the best way to approach life and death, the Meditations have inspired thinkers, poets and politicians since their first publication more than 500 years ago. Today, the book stands as one of the great guides and companions – a cornerstone of Western thought. Translation by George Long revised by Duncan Steen.

About Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius (April 121–March 180) was Roman emperor from 161 until his death. He ruled with Lucius Verus as co-emperor from 161 until Lucius's death in 169. Marcus was the last of the "Five Good Emperors" and is also considered one of the most important Stoic philosophers. His tenure was marked by wars in Asia against a revitalized Parthian Empire and with Germanic tribes along the Limes Germanicus into Gaul and across the Danube. A revolt in the East, led by Avidius Cassius, who previously fought under Lucius Verus against the Parthians, failed.

Marcus's work Meditations, written in Greek while on campaign between 170 and 180, is still revered as a literary monument to a government of service and duty.

Reviews

Goodreads review by ❧TheTrueScholar on May 12, 2021

How ridiculous and ignorant of the world is one who is surprised at anything that comes to pass in life. (12.13) Cast everything else aside, then, and hold to these few truths alone; and remember, furthermore, that each of us lives only in the present, this fleeting moment of time, and that the re......more

Goodreads review by Amy on February 20, 2020

Full review available at warmdayswillnevercease.wordpress.com I found this book very interesting. Far more interesting than I expected to if I’m honest. It was fascinating to read Aurelius’ thoughts and his ideas about self-improvement. He’s very self-reflective and, knowing that this was his private......more

Goodreads review by Derek on September 13, 2016

Had Marcus not been such a bleeding heart pagan he surely would have been canonized a saint by the early Catholic Church. It's unmistakable the huge influences I noted with the tone of religious reverence Marcus has for nature law and the universe; it's unmistakably in my mind the influences this ha......more

Goodreads review by Lily on March 24, 2025

Read for uni. Left many of the lectures feeling a peace, knowing that the most powerful man in the western world (of the ancient world that is) didn’t need an ego trip and wanted to be a good person… but when he talks about death, it becomes some of the hardest stuff I’ve read. Maybe not a tradition......more

Goodreads review by Maan on April 30, 2025

such a great book!......more