The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, Marcus Aurelius
The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, Marcus Aurelius
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The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius
An Emperor's Advice on Crafting a Life of Virtue, Honor, Harmony, and Happiness

Author: Marcus Aurelius

Narrator: Vance Bishop

Unabridged: 4 hr 24 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Carlile Media

Published: 09/22/2022


Synopsis

Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus never intended his collection of personal writings to be published, but it has become the foremost work of Stoic philosophy and advice to survive from ancient times. Described by President Bill Clinton as his favorite book and carried by Secretary of Defense and Marine Corps General James Mattis on deployments throughout his career, the Meditations provides a unique insight on life and leadership from the most powerful man in the world, written in plain language without condescension. Drawn from his own life and experience, and the teachings of philosophers and mentors he valued, Marcus intended his writings to serve him privately in his earnest attempt to thoughtfully and deliberately craft a life of virtue, honor, and harmony, and thus to attain true happiness: to carve off the rough and imperfect parts of his character and to become, as far as possible, a man perfectly fitted for his purpose in the universe. This was a task which contemporary and later reports suggest he accomplished admirably and elegantly: his reputation as a truly good man endures to this day. Having lost none of its relevance in the intervening centuries, his wisdom can help any reader achieve the same goal: to think, live, and act in complete agreement with nature. This edition is translated by Sir George William Chrystal KCB. His translation is not only modern, being accessible to and easily understood by the contemporary listener, but also classical, the words and sentences flowing with a dignified poetry that constantly reminds the reader of the author's august life. This new, American audiobook recording is a joy to listen to, and can itself become a source of meditative calm. Proudly published in the USA by Carlile Media.

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

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 Brad

When I was a freshman in college, I lived in a dorm. My roommate was on the football team. He would write inspiring things on poster board and hang them in our room often on the ceiling above his bed to motivate himself. He favored straightforward sentiments like "never give up." The Roman emperor Ma......more

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

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

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