Yes, you should read it. Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations serves as both a compact treatise on living a happier, more virtuous life and an excellent introduction to Stoic philosophy.
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What does Meditations by Marcus Aurelius teach us?
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.
Why is Marcus Aurelius Meditations important?
Gregory Hays This is the most popular modern translation of The Meditations. It’s concise but very engaging and accessible, written in a style well-suited to lay readers.
Is meditation worth reading?
Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, born nearly two millennia ago is perhaps the best known Stoic leader in history.
Is Meditations a self-improvement book?
Stoics believed in practical practices like regularly sleeping on the floor and living on a restricted diet for a limited time, as a reminder of ordinary privileges that could be lost.
Which Stoicism book should I read first?
The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius This is the first book most people read on Stoicism. It consists of the personal notes or journal kept by the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius.
Which version of meditation should I read?
We’ll never know for certain, but the story of his sleeping on the floor gives the impression that Aurelius had a natural curiosity and a desire to be a self-experimenter. If you told him, “Real philosophers sleep on the floor,” he wanted to try it out for himself.
Who is the best Stoic?
In its traditional form, Stoicism was a personal religion where “the fundamental doctrines of the Stoa were such as to create a kind of spirituality and to raise men’s souls toward the cosmic God.” However, most modern popularizers of Stoicism are themselves atheists or agnostics.
Why did Stoics sleep on the floor?
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Why do philosophers sleep on the floor?
Bill Clinton — The former president reads Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations every year. You can read more in this New York Times story. Theodore Roosevelt — Theodore Roosevelt, one of history’s most resilient leaders, brought Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius on his deadly “River of Doubt” expedition.
How do I read Marcus Meditations?
Who invented Stoicism?
Stoicism originated as a Hellenistic philosophy, founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium (modern day Cyprus), c. 300 B.C.E.
Is Stoicism a religion?
Yes, you should read it. Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations serves as both a compact treatise on living a happier, more virtuous life and an excellent introduction to Stoic philosophy. I read it over the course of fourteen or fifteen lunch breaks.
Who was the best Roman emperor?
- Augustus. Augustus of Prima Porta, 1st century (cropped)
- Trajan 98 – 117 AD. Marcus Ulpius Trajanus (53 –117 AD) is one of consecutive Five Good Emperors, three of whom are listed here.
- Hadrian 117 – 138 AD. Head of Emperor Hadrian (cropped)
- Marcus Aurelius 161 – 180 AD.
- Aurelian 270 – 275 AD.
How long does it take to read Meditations?
Reading classic novels instead of self-help books can boost brain power and improve your quality of life, new research suggests. Ditching self-help books in favour of complex works of classic literature can help boost brain power and quality of life, research suggests.
Who reads Marcus Aurelius?
The same study showed that self-help books are effective in the treatment of anxiety and depression, but less so in other areas, like alcoholism and schizophrenia. Self-help books can help you feel more empowered and in control of your life, but in some cases they should be used with professional guidance.
How do you become a Stoic?
- Develop An Internal Locus Of Control.
- Guard Your Time.
- Don’t Outsource Your Happiness.
- Stay Focused When Confronted With Distractions.
- Toss Away Ego And Vanity.
- Consolidate Your Thoughts In Writing.
- Stand Your Ground.
- Imagine The Worst That Could Happen.
Who should read Meditations by Marcus Aurelius?
The first text on Stoicism that most people read is The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius. It’s very small book, written in a beautiful aphoristic style. There are many translations available, and it’s easy to obtain older (out of copyright) editions free online.
What should I read instead of self-help books?
I’d recommend starting with Epictetus’s Enchiridion/Handbook. It’s short and to the point. After that, just read a bit of each to get a feel for their respective writing styles and see what you like best. I like to read the Meditations for a quick reminder on Stoic principles.
Are self-help books worth it?
The Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius spoke Latin and Greek. Latin was the common language of the Roman Empire for most of its existence. Further, Marcus Aurelius wrote his philosophical work, Meditations, in Greek.
Where do I start reading Stoicism?
Growing up, Marcus Aurelius was a dedicated student, learning Latin and Greek. But his greatest intellectual interest was Stoicism, a philosophy that emphasized fate, reason, and self-restraint.
Where should I start with Stoicism books?
- The Discourses of Epictetus. by Epictetus. Read.
- A Guide to the Good Life. by William B Irvine. Read.
- Meditations. by Marcus Aurelius. Read.
- Letters on Ethics: To Lucilius. by Seneca. Read.
What order should I read Stoic books?
Stoics do not believe in a God who helps us or cares about us. Stoics do not believe in a religion, but they believe in rational thinking and philosophy. Stoics understand everything exists to help each other, but because of this they are able to make their own choices without fear of divine punishment or favor.
What language did Marcus Aurelius speak?
Another large appeal of Stoic philosophy today is that its techniques have a rational foundation and don’t require a belief in supernatural forces. For this reason, modern Stoicism is very popular with secular humanists and atheists, but it’s equally popular with religious people and the spiritual but not religious.
What is the philosophy of Marcus Aurelius?
Stoical people show fortitude, but they neither perceive nor express much emotion. Their feelings are difficult to read. They are generally “strong, silent types”. Difficulties: People find it hard to know them or get close to them.