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The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius Audiobook
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Marcus Aurelius ruled the Roman empire from AD 161-180. He wrote the 12 books of the Meditations 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. Some of it was written while he was positioned at Aquincum on campaign in Pannonia, because internal notes tell us that the first book was written when he was campaigning against the Quadi on the river Granova and the second book was written at Carnuntum.
It is unlikely that Marcus Aurelius ever intended the writings to be published and the work has no official title, so "Meditations" is one of several titles commonly assigned to the collection. These writings take the form of quotations varying in length from one sentence to long paragraphs.
George Long Translation
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"I've been told Marcus Aurelius' Meditations is a series of dull platitudes. I think, however, that its short, direct, and unpretentious entries are powerful reminders: life is short: "The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts, therefore guard accordingly; and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue, and reasonable nature.""
— Andrew (5 out of 5 stars)
The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius Listener Reviews
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John Hembling, 4/1/2021
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" Spent the afternoon reading Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. The book reads like the citizen's manual for vulcans. Loved it!! I think I'll re-read it a few more times after I'm done with this 100 book challenge (although next time I'll skip all the parts about god.. can't blame Marcus though, since it was written almost two millennia ago). "
— Lex, 2/9/2014 -
" My personal Bible. I keep it handy at all times. What's cooler than a Roman Emperor who focuses on virtue rather than material/physcial rewards. "
— John, 1/31/2014 -
" Filled with great life lessons. This book is a must read for living a productive healthy life. "
— Kyle, 1/24/2014 -
" This is a life changing book and I'm only on the fourth book currently. Absolute treasure. "
— Umair, 1/16/2014 -
" The translation was less elegant than its english counterpart found on Gutenberg.org. Nevertheless the introductory notes were insightful and interesting. It was also funny to see how Aurelius' philosophy is quite similar to buddhist philosophy and psychology. "
— Judith, 1/4/2014 -
" Interesting read. Not exactly philosophy, just an Emperor trying to discover what it takes to be a truely good person. Some of the insights are timeless and show how little humans have changed since ancient times, in spite of our scientific and technical advances. "
— Jamest., 12/29/2013 -
" see where Shakespeare stole some of his best lines. "
— Mike, 12/16/2013 -
" Very Insightful, very easy read, easy to follow. This is the book i pick up when i'm down, read and it lifts up my spirits..... "
— Milo, 12/10/2013 -
" a book i will keep reading my whole life - insightful, beautiful, elegant, wise and honest "
— Euny, 11/11/2013 -
" The stoics always write well. "
— Peter, 11/4/2013 -
" This should be mandatory reading in all Junior High Schools. "
— Bryan, 10/17/2013 -
" This is a book every person should read. It is easy to understand and the advice is applicable today as it was 1600 years ago. "
— David, 10/15/2013 -
" Kindness, humility, thoughtfulness, a lack of materialism, a positive outlook, a love of learning, and a purposeful, considered life never go out of style. So much of what Marcus Aurelius touches on in The Meditations is still good advice to live by. "
— Vanessa, 8/18/2013 -
" I don't know that anything has informed my thinking more than this - really. I'll write a proper review, but for now, I can't say anything more than this gets my highest recommendations. "
— Chris, 11/5/2012 -
" I re-read portions of this regularly. "
— Wm, 10/17/2012 -
" Not only a killing machine for an empire but a thoughtful poet. "
— Wasabi, 5/23/2012 -
" Marcus is always close by when it's time to fall asleep. Best translation of a great journal available. "
— Gregory, 4/9/2012 -
" I had so many passages circled, underlined, highlighted...this was the best book I've ever read for a college course. "
— Jenna, 4/1/2012 -
" Slim volume that should be in every hotel room to replace the Gideon bible. "
— manwithoutqualities, 11/1/2011 -
" This guy is no fun at all. "
— Anne, 10/27/2011 -
" Dude was a legend. Stoic wisdom for winners. Kind of like a religious text in the sense that you don't ever really "finish" reading it. "
— Dakur, 5/17/2011 -
" Marcus-Aurelius was the head honcho almost 2000 years ago and he found time to write down a few profound thoughts. The language is a bit bizarre at times but it is most definitely a classic. "
— Alexis, 4/23/2011 -
" Perhaps it's my lazy scientific brain, but this is one of the few philosophically-inclined books that interests me. "
— Sam, 4/19/2011 -
" I don't know that anything has informed my thinking more than this - really. I'll write a proper review, but for now, I can't say anything more than this gets my highest recommendations. "
— Chris, 4/17/2011 -
" One of my absolute favorite reflections. "
— Bhargavi, 4/12/2011 -
" I read this book daily. "
— Burnt, 3/25/2011 -
" General Bunting calls this "the book" about leadership. I concur. "
— Ezra, 3/23/2011 -
" A non-linear read. Full of great quotes and deep thoughts. "
— Nina, 3/23/2011 -
" I turned to this book when I was very stressed out, and also examining something called mindfulness, the Buddhist counterpart to Stoicism. Meditations won't offer you behavioral help, but it offers honesty, passion, and should you delve into it yourself with honesty and passion, ataraxia. "
— Andrewhickey, 3/23/2011 -
" Very important read for thoughtful intelligent people. "
— Keith, 3/15/2011 -
" Stoicisms, Aristolian thoughts, accordance with nature, the last of the five great emporior kings. Excellent read. "
— Mark, 2/27/2011 -
" A healthy way of living that maybe I'll attempt one day. "
— Martin, 1/31/2011
About Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius (121–180 CE) was a Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher. Though his reign was threatened by war and disease, he successfully held the empire together and is associated with the Golden Age of Rome. His Meditations has long been considered one of the greatest books of the era and remains a cornerstone of Western philosophical appreciation of Stoicism.