The best Meditations translation is by Gregory Hays. (Sign up for our free 7-day course on Stoicism to see our interview with Professor Hays). He writes in modern plain English and understands how to make Marcus’s words concise and fluid. It is highly recommended you first read the Hays translation.
Why is Meditations by Marcus Aurelius important?
Quick Summary:Meditations shows how to become more self disciplined, stop caring what people think, and withstand life’s emotional storms. Marcus Aurelius was a powerful Roman emperor and great Stoic philosopher. He wrote down all these thoughts in a private journal to himself.
How many Meditations of Marcus Aurelius are there?
Marcus Aurelius wrote the 12 books of the Meditations in Koine Greek 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.
Is Marcus Aurelius Meditations a self help book?
Why Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations Is the Self-Help Book We All Need to Read. If any year is going to have you reaching for the philosophy books, it’s this one. And if it’s resilience you’re after, you could do a lot worse than the Stoics.
What is the best version of Meditations by Marcus Aurelius? – Related Questions
Do Stoics worship god?
The Traditional Stoics do believe in a god of sorts, though it is almost certainly not the one you refer to. They believe in the pantheist god—a conscious and providential Universe, also described as the Universal Reason, Divine Nature, Logos. They feel the concept of providence is important to Stoicism.
Do Stoics believe in a personal god?
Stoics do not hold a traditional belief in a God similar to theistic religions, but instead believe in the just law of the universe.
Is Meditations a self improvement book?
Meditations is a series of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD, recording his private notes to himself and ideas on Stoic philosophy. Marcus Aurelius wrote the 12 books of the Meditations in Koine Greek as a source for his own guidance and self-improvement.
Who should read Meditations by Marcus Aurelius?
Meditations is divided into 12 books that chronicle different periods of Aurelius’ life. They are not in chronological order, but it’s not hard to follow. Since Stoicism does not go away from logic and reasoning while talking about philosophical ideas such as self, it remains a perfect read for the modern reader.
Is it worth reading Meditations by Marcus Aurelius?
Not everything in Aurelius’s Meditations will resonate with everyone, but even if you are not interested in Stoicism per se, this is still a great philosophical and literary classic that is worth reading in its own right, for insights as to why an emperor from two thousand years ago is still so highly regarded.
What do we learn about Marcus Aurelius from his Meditations?
“Meditations” reveals that Marcus remained in control of his emotions through the beliefs that nature unfolds in a perfect way and that one must accept that they cannot change the past or what other people feel in their hearts.
What is the message of Stoicism?
Stoics acknowledge that people don’t have control over all, or even much, of what happens in life. And they emphasize that worrying about things outside of their control is unproductive, or even irrational to a person who wants to attain tranquility.
How did the Stoics view God?
The Stoics often identified the universe and God with Zeus, as the ruler and upholder, and at the same time the law, of the universe. The Stoic God is not a transcendent omniscient being standing outside nature, but rather it is immanent—the divine element is immersed in nature itself.
What is Marcus Aurelius most famous quote?
“Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together,but do so with all your heart.”
Who is the most famous Stoic?
Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, born nearly two millennia ago is perhaps the best known Stoic leader in history.
What do Stoics say about love?
Focus on what is under your control, the Stoic would say, even in love. Accept the human condition and the bounds set for you by nature. Understand that you cannot possess what you love. We have our loved ones on loans and should rejoice in them as long as they are present.
What was Caesar’s favorite saying?
“Veni, vidi, vici. (I came, I saw, I conquered.)”
What was Caesar’s famous last line?
Another Shakespearean invention was Caesar’s last words, “Et tu, Brute?,” meaning “You too, Brutus?” in Latin.
What is Caesar’s greatest flaw?
In Julius Caesar, Caesar’s fatal flaw is shown to be his excessive self-pride, which makes him ignore warnings from the gods and thus invites havoc. One example is when Caesar refuses to listen to the soothsayer who warns him to beware the ides of March, Caesar responds by saying “He is a dreamer. Let us leave him.
