Meditations Paperback / softback - 2004
by Marcus Aurelius
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- Paperback
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Details
- Title Meditations
- Author Marcus Aurelius
- Binding Paperback
- Edition International Ed
- Condition New
- Pages 176
- Volumes 1
- Language ENG
- Publisher Penguin UK, London, United Kingdom
- Publication date September 2, 2004
- Bookseller's Inventory # A9780141018829
- ISBN 9780141018829 / 0141018828
- Weight 0.24 lbs (0.11 kg)
- Dimensions 7.07 x 4.36 x 0.42 in (17.96 x 11.07 x 1.07 cm)
- Category Philosophy
- Dewey Decimal Code 188
- Quantity available 10
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About this book
Meditations is a philosophical book written by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius in the second century AD. The book is a collection of personal reflections on his own life, the nature of the universe, and the Stoic philosophy which guided his actions. Aurelius discusses topics such as self-discipline, virtue, and the importance of living in the present moment. He also explores the relationship between humanity and the universe, and how one can achieve inner peace and tranquility. Meditations is considered a classic work of Stoic philosophy and continues to be widely read and studied today.
Reader reviews for Meditations
Review summary
Readers largely praise Meditations as a compact trove of Stoic wisdom—practical, quotable, and surprisingly relevant to modern life. Many value its counsel on self-discipline, intention, mortality, and focusing on what one can control, often recommending slow, selective reading or periodic rereads. The work’s origin as a private journal by a Roman emperor adds poignancy and authority. Common critiques cite repetition, lack of structure, and a sometimes austere determinism; a minority found it dull, overrated, or unhelpful. Translation choice matters, but overall the book is seen as enduring, humane, and motivating.
Readers say this book is:
timelesswiseinspirationalpracticalthought-provokingrepetitiveaccessiblecalmingrelevantaphoristicWrite a review for this book
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From the publisher
First edition identification
Widely known as Meditations today, Marcus Aurelius initially compiled the twelve books that make up the work as private journals. The books were originally written in Ancient (Medieval) Greek by the title (ta eis heauton) which translates to "That which is to Himself".
The earliest reference to the work is from Herodian in the 3rd century, who mentions Marcus Aurelius' literary legacy, and there are later references from Arethas of Caesarea in the 10th century and John Tzetzes in the 12th century. The book was first divided into twelve books by the Suda lexicon published in the 10th century. The text is based mainly on two manuscripts: the Codex Palatinus (P) and the Codex Vaticanus (A), which was printed by Wilhelm Xylander in 1558.
The modern history of Meditations dates from the issue of the first printed edition (editio princeps) by Wilhelm Xylander, which appeared in Latin in 1558 or 1559. The original manuscript from which it was printed is now lost, so this text has become one of the two principal sources of all modern texts. First English translation was made in 1634 by Meric Casaubon.
Meditations has always been an extremely popular text and it continues to help and inspire readers today.
