Meditations

Name: Meditations
Brand: Penguin Books Ltd
SKU: 9780143566328
Price: 13.0 NZD
Availability: InStock

By Marcus Aurelius

4.28

( 273,724 ratings, 15,776 reviews)

Summary

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a series of personal writings by the Roman Emperor, reflecting on philosophy and spirituality. The book offers insights into his Stoic beliefs, focusing on self-discipline, virtue, and the nature of existence. It serves as both a practical guide and a deep philosophical reflection on how to live a good life.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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Meditations

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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?

This book may appeal to you if you are interested in philosophy and self-reflection, offering timeless wisdom and practical advice for personal growth and resilience.

Meditations

Features the spiritual reflections of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (AD 121-180) that show a leader trying to make sense of himself and the universe, and cover diverse topics such as the question of virtue, human rationality and the nature of the gods.

These spiritual reflections of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (AD 121-180) show a leader trying to make sense of himself and the universe, and cover diverse topics such as the question of virtue, human rationality and the nature of the gods.

Description

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a profound philosophical work that transcends time and remains incredibly relevant today. Comprising the innermost thoughts and reflections of Aurelius, who was Emperor of Rome from AD 161 to 180, this book provides timeless wisdom and guidance. Rather than a narrative-driven plot, it consists of personal notes kept by Aurelius, intended as a source of self-improvement and reflection. These writings delve deep into various themes, including the pursuit of virtue, the nature of human rationality, and the existence and role of the divine in our lives.

As a Stoic philosopher, Aurelius used Meditations to document his quest for understanding and clarity in a chaotic, ever-changing world. Each passage is a testament to his introspection and self-discipline, echoing thoughts on how to live a balanced, empathetic, and rational life in accordance with natural laws. His contemplations on life and death, the significance of duty, and the benefits of temperance offer a blueprint for personal resilience and ethical living.

In developing his personal beliefs, Marcus Aurelius created one of the greatest works of philosophy—a series of concise yet profound aphorisms that have been consulted by statesmen, thinkers, and everyday philosophers for nearly two millennia. His reflections demonstrate a remarkable blend of practicality and spirituality, offering not only solace and inspiration but also actionable advice that has guided countless individuals in their personal and professional lives.

Meditations challenges readers to cultivate tranquility and emotional stability in the face of life's inevitable challenges. It remains an essential read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, encouraging us to lead lives of moral integrity and to confront our own internal struggles with grace and wisdom.

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 widely praised for its timeless wisdom and introspective insights. Reviewers admire its practical philosophies and profound reflections that remain relevant today. It's often described as a must-read for anyone interested in Stoic philosophy and self-improvement.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780143566328

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 August 2011

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 112.0mm

Height: 180.0mm

Weight: 186g

Pages: 254

Collections

All Books Marcus Aurelius Non-Fiction Philosophy & Psychology Philosophy & Stoicism

About the Author

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus was born in AD 121, in the reign of the emperor Hadrian. At first he was called Marcus Annius Verus, but his well-born father died young and he was adopted, first by his grandfather, who had him educated by a number of excellent tutors, and then, when he was sixteen, by Aurelius Antoninus, his uncle by marriage, who had been adopted as Hadrian's heir, and had no surviving sons of his own. Aurelius Antoninus changed Marcus' name to his own and betrothed him to his daughter, Faustina. She bore fourteen children, but none of the sons survived Marcus except the worthless Commodus, who eventually succeeded Marcus as emperor. On the death of Antoninus in 161, Marcus made Lucius Verus, another adopted son of his uncle, his colleague in government. There were thus two emperors ruling jointly for the first time in Roman history. The Empire then entered a period troubled by natural disasters, famine, plague and floods, and by invasions of barbarians. In 168, one year before the death of Verus left him in sole command, Marcus went to join his legions on the Danube. Apart from a brief visit to Asia to crush the revolt of Avidius Cassius, whose followers he treated with clemency, Marcus stayed in the Danube region and consoled his somewhat melancholy life there by writing a series of reflections which he called simply To Himself. These are now known as his Meditations, and they reveal a mind of great humanity and natural humility, formed in the Stoic tradition, which has long been admired in the Christian world. He died, of an infectious disease, perhaps, in camp on 17 March AD 180.