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Meditations

The Philosophy Classic
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( 327,364 ratings, 18,847 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a series of personal writings by the Roman Emperor, offering profound insights into Stoic philosophy. It presents his thoughts on self-discipline, ethical living, and the transient nature of human life. Through these reflections, Marcus Aurelius shares timeless wisdom on finding peace and resilience amidst life's challenges.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this timeless piece if you're interested in gaining insight into stoic philosophy and personal reflections on life's challenges. With its focus on self-discipline, mental clarity, and virtue, this book offers profound wisdom for anyone seeking personal growth and resilience amidst the chaos of everyday life.

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"A series of personal journals written by Marcus Aurelius"--Provided by publisher.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A deluxe special edition of the ancient classic encompasses the profound wisdom and introspection of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, famously known as “The Philosopher.”

Meditations is a timeless collection of personal reflections penned by Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor from 169 AD to 180 AD. Renowned as one of the last of the “Five Good Emperors,” Marcus Aurelius was a paragon of Stoicism—a philosophy that steadfastly advocates personal ethics and resilience through action and responsibility. The insights proffered in this work have perennially influenced philosophical thought, personal development strategies, and even modern psychotherapeutic approaches.

At its core, Meditations serves as a pivotal source for understanding Stoic philosophy. The work is comprised of twelve books, each chronicling various stages and thoughts from Aurelius’s life. Despite ruling during the esteemed Pax Romana, an era acknowledged for its relative peace, his reign was fraught with incessant military conflicts and a catastrophic plague that devastated millions. Through his writings, Aurelius delivers a rare glimpse into the personal "spiritual exercises" he drew upon to navigate the tribulations of his existence. His entries, composed often in secluded moments beside campfires or within the confines of military tents, reveal reflections on patience, empathy, generosity, self-awareness, and emotional fortitude—values that resonate profoundly with modern audiences.

Although these reflections were never intended for publication, they have nonetheless become a beacon of timeless wisdom. The lessons and perspectives encapsulated in Meditations continue to hold significant relevance, encouraging readers to live ethically, embrace moderation, and cultivate emotional resilience.

This elegant edition is a part of the bestselling Capstone Classics Series, thoughtfully curated by Tom Butler-Bowdon. Included in this high-quality hardcover volume are:

  • An original introduction penned by Donald Robertson, an authority on Marcus Aurelius and a distinguished expert on Stoicism, who authored How To Think Like A Roman Emperor.
  • A modernised version of the classic George Long translation, providing accessibility while preserving the essence of the original text.

Whether you seek to understand the philosophical underpinnings of Stoicism or aim to derive practical insights for contemporary life, Meditations: The Philosophy Classic stands as an indispensable addition to any intellectual library, promising enrichment and enlightenment for years to come.

Series: Capstone Classics

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    A deluxe special edition of the ancient classic encompasses the profound wisdom and introspection of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, famously known as “The Philosopher.” Meditations is a timeless collection of personal reflections penned by Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor from 169 AD to 180 AD. Renowned as one of the last of the “Five Good Emperors,” Marcus Aurelius was...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is often praised for its timeless wisdom and insights into Stoic philosophy. Reviews frequently highlight its practical guidance on maintaining inner peace and personal integrity in the face of adversity. Readers appreciate its introspective and profound reflections that continue to resonate across centuries, offering valuable life lessons on resilience and humility.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780857088468

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 19 December 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Capstone Publishing Ltd

Contributors:

  • Series edited by Tom Butler-Bowdon
  • Introduction by Donald Robertson

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 201.0mm

Weight: 249g

Pages: 192

About the Author

Marcus Aurelius was Emperor of the Roman Empire from 161 CE to 180 CE and one of the leaders of Stoicism, a philosophy of personal ethics which sought resilience and virtue through personal action and responsibility. His writing has inspired many personal development and psychotherapy approaches through to the present day.

Donald Robertson is a writer, trainer, and cognitive behavioural psychotherapist. He specializes in the relationship between ancient philosophy and modern evidence-based psychological therapy. Donald is the author of six books on philosophy and psychotherapy, including How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius (2019).

Tom Butler-Bowdon is series editor for the Capstone Classics series. He has written Introductions for Capstone editions of Plato's The Republic, Machiavelli's The Prince, Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations, Sun Tzu's The Art of War, Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, and Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich. Tom is the author of the 50 Classics series and is a graduate of the London School of Economics and the University of Sydney. www.Butler-Bowdon.com

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