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Meditations:

Marcus Aurelius

4.28(292569 readers)
The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius is a life-changing book. Among others, it contains the following "The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts." "You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength." "When you arise in the morning, think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love ..." "It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live." "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius is a life-changing book. It contains the private meditations of the most powerful man in the Roman world, the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, as he wrestled with the complexities of his life using the wisdom of Stoic Philosophy. Meditations is written in lucid, accessible language and, interestingly, we see that the problems and perplexities of this philosopher-King are much like ours. Marcus Aurelius was impressively able to live out his philosophical ideals-such as the importance of gratitude, mindfulness, simplicity and life-long learning, of seizing the day, and of remembering the shortness of life-while administering the Roman Empire. Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD) was the last of the five "good Roman emperors". The Emperor Hadrian adopted Titus Aurelius Antoninus, thereby choosing him to succeed him, and arranged for Antonius to adopt Marcus, and thus, from a young age, Marcus was groomed for power. During this time, he devoted himself to philosophy with passion and diligence. At the age of forty he became Emperor and was known as Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus. Remarkably in a culture of absolute power, he insisted that his adoptive brother and co-consul, Lucius, be elevated to co-emperor. The historian Herodian, a contemporary, "he gave proof of his learning not by mere words or knowledge of philosophical doctrines but by his blameless character and temperate way of life." Marcus Aurelius is now best remembered for Meditations, which is, perhaps, the greatest single work of Stoic philosophy. Stoic philosophy is, above all, practical. It uses reason and the careful observation of human life to address the problems of daily life. It is also universal-the Emperor Marcus Aurelius and the freed slave Epictetus were both prominent Stoic philosophers. In recent years, Stoic philosophy has provided invaluable life lessons to people in many spheres of life including prisoners of war and Holocaust survivors, psychiatrists, and those in the business world. Indeed, modern Stoic thought "hold[s] fascinating promise for business and government leaders tackling global problems in a turbulent, post-recession slump," ( Forbes) . This edition is complete and unabridged and contains Introduction, Notes, Appendix containing correspondence with his tutor Fronto, and a Glossary.

Publisher

Benediction Classics

Publication Date

10/15/2016

ISBN

9781781397183

Pages

140

Categories

Literature

About the Author

Portrait of author Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus (often referred to as "the wise") was Emperor of the Roman Empire from 161 to his death in 180. He was the last of the "Five Good Emperors", and is also considered one of the more important Stoic philosophers. His two decades as emperor were marked by near continual warfare. He was faced with a series of invasions from German tribes, and by conflicts with the Parthian Empire in the east. His reign also had to deal with an internal revolt in the east, led by Avidius Cassius.

Marcus Aurelius' work Meditations, written in Greek while on campaign between 170 and 180, is still revered as a literary monument to a government of service and duty and has been praised for its "exquisite accent and its infinite tenderness."

Questions & Answers

In his "Meditations," Marcus Aurelius emphasizes living in accordance with nature and virtue as the core of a virtuous life. He defines virtue as living in harmony with the natural order, which he believes is governed by a divine principle. He argues that virtue is the only true good, and it encompasses qualities like wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice.

Aurelius repeatedly underscores the importance of self-discipline and self-examination to achieve this harmony. He encourages constant reflection on one's thoughts and actions, ensuring they align with virtue and the natural order. He also emphasizes the importance of accepting one's fate and treating others with kindness and justice, as part of living in accordance with nature. By doing so, he suggests that one can achieve inner peace and happiness, transcending the transient nature of external events.

Self-reflection and self-examination are central to Marcus Aurelius' philosophy as presented in his "Meditations." He emphasizes the importance of introspection to understand oneself and one's place in the universe. He often reflects on his own thoughts, actions, and virtues, seeking to align his life with reason and virtue. This self-examination is not merely for self-improvement but to maintain equanimity in the face of life's challenges. He encourages continual self-examination to understand the nature of the universe, the fleeting nature of life, and the importance of living according to nature. Through this process, he aims to cultivate a serene and virtuous life, free from the passions and desires that lead to suffering. Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations" serve as a guide for personal growth and self-awareness, emphasizing the role of introspection in achieving a meaningful and virtuous life.

Marcus Aurelius views the universe as a harmonious, ordered whole governed by a rational principle or divine force. He believes that this principle, which he identifies with the gods, works for the common good and that humans should strive to align themselves with it. In his "Meditations," he emphasizes the transient nature of human life, advocating for a focus on virtue and duty rather than material wealth or fame. He views destiny as a natural and inevitable sequence of events, suggesting that individuals should accept their fates with grace and resilience. Aurelius encourages self-reflection and the cultivation of inner virtues to achieve a serene and fulfilling life, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with nature and reason.

In his "Meditations," Marcus Aurelius emphasizes several key moral maxims and reflections to guide individuals in living a virtuous life. He stresses the importance of self-control, rationality, and living in harmony with nature. He advises focusing on what is within one's control, such as thoughts and actions, while accepting what is not, like health and wealth. He advocates for patience, tolerance, and compassion, urging individuals to practice virtue and maintain equanimity in the face of life's challenges. Additionally, he encourages self-examination, recognizing one's faults, and learning from the past. Marcus Aurelius also emphasizes the importance of duty, service to others, and the pursuit of the common good, reflecting his Stoic philosophy that virtue is the highest good for individuals and society.

Marcus Aurelius' Stoicism differs from Christianity, as seen in the comparison with "The Imitation of Christ," in several key aspects. While both emphasize self-control and virtue, their approaches and goals diverge.

Stoicism, as practiced by Marcus Aurelius, focuses on living in harmony with nature and achieving inner peace through self-reliance and control of emotions. It emphasizes the importance of duty and virtue, with a focus on the individual's role within the larger universe. Marcus Aurelius' Stoicism is more about practical living and duty, with a focus on the present life and one's own actions.

In contrast, Christianity, as presented in "The Imitation of Christ," emphasizes humility, faith, and reliance on God. It aims for a more passive, God-centered life, with a focus on spiritual salvation and the afterlife. The Christian ideal is to imitate Christ and live a life of love, forgiveness, and service to others.

While both philosophies share the goal of achieving a virtuous life, Stoicism is more about personal discipline and living according to nature, while Christianity is more about faith in God and spiritual transformation. Marcus Aurelius' Stoicism is introspective and self-reliant, while Christianity is more communal and God-focused.

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