Review: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius The Annotated Edition, translated by Robin Waterfield. I have read Meditations by Marcus Aurelius three times. I read the Gregory Hays translation published in 2002 twice and then I recently finished the forthcoming 2021 translation by Robin Waterfield.
Table of Contents
What is the best way to read Meditations by Marcus Aurelius?
What language did Marcus Aurelius write Meditations in?
Latin literature …was written in Greek, the Meditations of the emperor Marcus Aurelius.
Which version of Meditations should I read?
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.
How long does it take to read Meditations Marcus Aurelius?
The average reader will spend 1 hours and 28 minutes reading this book at 250 WPM (words per minute).
What language did Marcus Aurelius speak?
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.
Who invented Stoicism?
Stoicism originated as a Hellenistic philosophy, founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium (modern day Cyprus), c. 300 B.C.E.
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.
How do we know Marcus Aurelius was a Stoic?
a. According to tradition, Marcus was a Stoic. His ancient biographer, Julius Capitolinus, describes him as such. Marcus also makes reference to a number of Stoics by whom he was taught and, in particular, mentions Rusticus from whom he borrowed a copy of the works of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus (Med. 1.7).
What did Marcus Aurelius believe about Stoicism?
Stepping back from emotional and physical chaos to reach a state of calm, clear-headed thinking is the bedrock of Stoicism, a philosophy famously practiced by Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius.
Is Marcus Aurelius a Stoic?
The second century CE Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius was also a Stoic philosopher, and his Meditations, which he wrote to and for himself, offers readers a unique opportunity to see how an ancient person (indeed an emperor) might try to live a Stoic life, according to which only virtue is good, only vice is bad, and the …
Which translation of Marcus Aurelius is best?
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.
How do you think like a Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius?
In How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, cognitive psychotherapist Donald Robertson weaves the life and philosophy of Marcus Aurelius together seamlessly to provide a compelling modern-day guide to the Stoic wisdom followed by countless individuals throughout the centuries as a path to achieving greater fulfillment and …
What is a Stoic philosopher?
Stoicism is a school of philosophy that hails from ancient Greece and Rome in the early parts of the 3rd century, BC. It is a philosophy of life that maximizes positive emotions, reduces negative emotions and helps individuals to hone their virtues of character.
How do you read Stoicism?
Who has read Marcus Aurelius?
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.
Is Meditations a good book to read?
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is one of the greatest and original books ever written. It’s a life compass. You don’t just read it once and put it on the shelf. You keep it close for easy access.
Why should I read Meditations by Marcus Aurelius?
What’s remarkable about the Meditations is that we get to read the private self-improvement journal of a Roman emperor; the most powerful human being in the world in his time, and possibly any other; the fifth and last of Rome’s so-called “good emperors”.
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.
What does the name Aurelius mean?
Aurelius is a boy’s name of Latin origin, meaning “the golden one.” Aurelius is most widely known as a name because of 2nd-century Roman Emporer and stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius.
Was Maximus a real person?
WHAT WAS MAXIMUS REALLY LIKE? Maximus Decimus Meridius (his full name is stated only once in the film) is a fictitious character! Although he did not exist, he seems as if he could be be a composite of actual historical figures. In the film, Maximus was Marcus Aurelius’ general.
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.
What makes Stoicism wrong?
The problem with stoicism is that it talks about focussing only on what we can control like thoughts and actions. But we are living in a dynamic world which is full of chaos. Stoicism might not be the right philosophy for our modern world.
Who is the best Stoic philosopher?
Epictetus: The Model Stoic Philosopher One of Stoicism’s most famous practitioners, Epictetus was born in modern-day Turkey in 55 CE, a cripple and slave to a wealthy statesman. Despite this, Epictetus was allowed to study Stoic philosophy.
What is the opposite of Stoicism?
Stoicism and hedonism are polar opposites in views of the pursuit of pleasure and pain.