The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, Marcus Aurelius
The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, Marcus Aurelius
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The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

Author: Marcus Aurelius

Narrator: Robin Homer

Unabridged: 5 hr 10 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 07/18/2019


Synopsis

Marcus Aurelius ruled the Roman empire from AD 161-180. He wrote the 12 books of the Meditations as a source for his own guidance and self-improvement. It is possible that large portions of the work were written at Sirmium, where he spent much time planning military campaigns from 170 to 180. Some of it was written while he was positioned at Aquincum on campaign in Pannonia, because internal notes tell us that the first book was written when he was campaigning against the Quadi on the river Granova and the second book was written at Carnuntum.

It is unlikely that Marcus Aurelius ever intended the writings to be published and the work has no official title, so "Meditations" is one of several titles commonly assigned to the collection. These writings take the form of quotations varying in length from one sentence to long paragraphs.

George Long Translation

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 Glenn on August 02, 2021

In many important ways, the reflections of Marcus Aurelius (121 AD-180 AD) crystallize the philosophical wisdom of the Greco-Roman world. This little book was written as a diary to himself while emperor fighting a war out on the boarder of the Roman Empire and today this book is known to us as The M......more

Goodreads review by Alexandra on December 29, 2014

This basically consists of Marcus Aurelius repeating, "Get it together, Marcus" to himself over and over again over the course of 12 chapters. SPOILER ALERT: -The time during which you are alive is very very brief compared to the time during which you did not exist and will not exist. -People who wro......more

Goodreads review by Sean Barrs on September 27, 2020

Look within: do not allow the special quality or worth of anything to pass you by. I love this quote and I love the wisdom that runs through this book. It’s such a simple idea and it is also a very true one. Make the most of everything and everyone, of every situation and chance that life......more

Goodreads review by Maru on May 10, 2015

Marcus gives us wise advice about using the Internet, particularly social networking sites: “...because most of what we say and do is not essential. If you can eliminate it, you'll have more time and more tranquillity. Ask yourself at every moment, is this necessary…” He shares his opinions on the wor......more

Goodreads review by Always on February 14, 2020

Someone lent me this because they thought it might help me feel better/change my thinking. I was like sure I'll give it a chance but like sorry to say it did nothing. I feel as though many of the things in there that might be helpful are things I've already gotten elsewhere by this point or attitude......more