Meditations (Penguin Great Ideas)
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› Visit Amazon's Emperor of Rome Marcus Aurelius Page
› Visit Amazon's Emperor of Rome Marcus Aurelius Page
Product Description
Product Description
Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives - and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization, and helped make us who we are.
About the Author
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (A.D. 121 - 180) was Roman Emperor and wrote his Meditations during his campaigns against the barbarians.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
Courtesy and serenity of temper I first learnt to know from my grandfather Verus. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
Courtesy and serenity of temper I first learnt to know from my grandfather Verus. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Some books are not meant to be read in one go, gulping them down like you might a jug of water. Instead, some books need the reader to stop after every few sentences and reflect on what they read in the context of their own lives. Those books that deserve to be digested slowly over a prolonged time, provide something to the reader that great literature has at its aim always: inner wisdom.
Aurelius was one of The Five Good Emperors of Rome who spent most of his life at war in some form or another. It is strange then, that he should write this book (originally written in Greek, admirably translated in this version) of Stoic philosophy, that seems to support a position of peace, a study of the 'liberal arts' and to advocate a life of inner discovery. His arrogance - hey, he was Emperor, not a Saint - sometimes shows through, but is strangely tempered by a humility that is disarming at first. For example, this version of his work has emblazoned upon its cover one of his more memorable quotes: "A little flesh, a little breath, and a reason to rule all - that is myself".
At first some of his thoughts can seem 'obvious' or 'glib', but that misses the point. It is the sum of the work that is greater than the parts.
If you rush this work, it will feel as shallow as any modern self-help book. Give it respect, understanding and most importantly the time it needs, and you can discover that something beautiful is hidden in his thinking.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
In todays world, someone may think that this book talk about obvious things that we all know from everyday life. But how many of us is realy concentrated about, thinking and annalize about those simple thoughts? And how many of us give the importance about those short but essentials thinking? Who of us will stop in middle of a big city or walking among the beach and try to think just like Aurelius or Seneca did? Everybody is todays life is on a rush, about job and other things in our digitally-enhanced and video-saturated age. And consider thought from the ancient world "already" examined. But the truth is from the ancient wisdom (might be Greek, Hindu, Tibetan) have a truly essence of truth about us and about how we see the world around us. Yu may not like this book, so then take some book of Dalai Lama. You will find there the same principle about how to make your life simpler, easier and without inner struggle.
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A truly profound book. Packed solid with the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor and Philosopher. As poignant now as it was then, around 1,800 years ago. It will improve your view of life, people and many things. In short; it will make you think about how to be a better person.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Timeless Wisdom
Can't recommend this book enough. Full of wisdom that is as applicable today as to when it was written. Encompassing all areas of life it really is a great read. Read more
Published 2 months ago by D Singh
something of a worthy but frustrating lecture
Mr M. Aurelius reads like a serious but kindly headmaster of an
English public school. There is a lot of sensible and worthy advice
as he seeks to prepare his charges for... Read more
English public school. There is a lot of sensible and worthy advice
as he seeks to prepare his charges for... Read more
Published 5 months ago by angry_liberal
Breathtakingly Good
I wish I'd found this book years ago. Moving, entertaining, and easy to read, it remains as fresh today as ever it was. Read more
Published 10 months ago by sabina rose
Classical Wisdom at its Greatest
This well bound and neatly put together little book is an excellent translation of one of the pillars of Stoic philosophy. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Mr. J. Moran
Words of Wisdom
In his recent autobiography, Harold Evans mentioned Marcus Aurelius' Meditations - how they have helped him in his life and career. Read more
Published on 22 Feb 2010 by Mrs. Georgette Behar
'If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it.'
This book will soon become an essential item to carry around with you for a quick glance now and again - solace and wisdom can seldom be found so readily in such brief writings. Read more
Published on 5 Sep 2009 by Veseos
Timeless wisdom
This might not appear to be a particularly sophisticated work of philosophy, but its common sense observations and insightful comments are right on the mark. Read more
Published on 16 Mar 2009 by Tyler Durden
The First "Green" Emperor
"Green", that is, in the sense that Marcus was a keen recycler of ideas. This book is filled with short paragraphs (1, 2 or 3 sentences) of Gladiator's favourite emperor's wisdom. Read more
Published on 21 Feb 2007 by S. Primrosesmith
Hardly a classic
A series of disconnected, short bullet points on life (literally seldom longer than 5 to 6 lines). No order, no structure, and therefore not a great work. Read more
Published on 14 Aug 2005 by G. Thulbourn
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