Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

Written by Marcus Aurelius

Narrated by Ron Welch

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 Greek as a source for his own guidance and self-improvement. 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. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Golden Acorn Media
• Release date: Apr 10, 2019
• ISBN: 9781987167924

Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius ruled the Roman Empire from 161 to 180 AD. Born to an upper-class Roman family in 121, Aurelius was adopted by his uncle, the emperor Antoninus Pius, in 138. Aurelius studied Greek and Latin literature, philosophy, and law, and was especially influenced by the Stoic thinker Epictetus. After Pius’s death, Aurelius succeeded the throne alongside his adoptive brother, Lucius Verus. His reign was marked by plague, numerous military conflicts, and the deaths of friends and family—including Lucius Verus in 169. Despite these struggles, the Empire flourished under Marcus’s rule as the last emperor of the Pax Romana, an era from 27 to 180 of relative peace and prosperity for the Roman Empire. Aurelius wrote his Meditations as spiritual exercises never intended for publication, and died at fifty-eight while on campaign against the Germanic tribes.

Reviews for Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

[Robert Cheruiyot · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A great guide to living a good life for human beings

[Theron R Smith · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sometimes a book is beyond review. It stands so superior to any of it’s critics and requires no commentary, This is one of those.

[anca mihaela · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the best books ever about philosophy. Good voice actor.

[Zito Galva · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is perfect for this time. Like it is written for my real life situations.

[Richard Sashigane · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A great continuation to read if you've read Discourses and Selected writings by Epictetus.

[Rohit Nallapeta · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A good book. It gives you a lot too think about. A must read for anyone into philosophy.

[Andy · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Things were going great until the reader started using the ridiculous "thou", "thine" and "hast". Why?

It's a modern English translation of an old text. For goodness sake, read the room and present it to a modern audience. I'm as English as can be and have never used this ridiculously archaic language.

Can someone please produce a decent, modern translation which doesn't sound like it's been written by Sir Lancelot?

[andresfsierra · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Over time, reading Marcus Aurelius's "Meditations" turns into reading isolated phrases that, while leading to profound reflections, often lack meaning due to the lack of context about the situation Marcus Aurelius was in at that moment and what led him to reflect deeply and articulate his thoughts, to empty his mind. (Translated from Spanish)

[Jajijo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wisdom for everyday life. It is written in an ancient language which requires a bit more time to analyze. It is truly a book for reflection and sometimes to take word by word. In its basic ideas lies the strength of simplicity. (Translated from Spanish)

[MH · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An amazing book. The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, despite being many centuries old, can be perfectly applied to the 21st century. Personally, it has made me reflect in many ways, and after reading it, I believe I will become a person who is guided by "the own governing principle," as he specifically mentions in the work. (Translated from Spanish)

[Thedevilcountness · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A wonderful book. Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, despite being many centuries old, can perfectly be applied to the 21st century. Personally, it has made me reflect in many ways, and after having read it, I believe I will become a person guided by "the inner guiding principle," as he himself mentions in the work. (Translated from Spanish)

[Ailed Rguez · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Although I agree with many things, I find it a bit conflicting that it involves the gods so much. (Translated from Spanish)

[Lectorasinrumbo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Marcus Aurelius was frugal in his life, and he devoted his free time to study. The "Meditations" do not enlighten us about the events that occurred during his time as emperor; rather, they are brief scattered strokes about his tastes and desires, a spiritual and philosophical soliloquy of an emperor concerned with building an "inner citadel" that would fare better than his Empire. (Translated from Spanish)

[Edgardavid2003 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I would like (Translated from Spanish)

[Joan-Manel10 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

They are his personal and intimate reflections on everything that surrounds us, a stoic work par excellence, and, according to critics, one of the best works to begin with in philosophy. I made a mistake with the rating, I rated it four stars when I meant to rate it five. (Translated from Spanish)

[José Luis Porras · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Practicing common sense. Essential. It strikes me, in these times of mediocrity that we suffer, as an indispensable reminder of behavior and existence, a path, a way of being. (Translated from Spanish)

[Cuentaeliminada06052023 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An amazing book. Marcus Aurelius' meditations, despite being many centuries old, can perfectly be applied to the 21st century. Personally, it has made me reflect in many ways, and after reading it, I believe I will become a person who is guided by "the own guiding principle," as he himself mentions in the work. (Translated from Spanish)

[diegogt0 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It is a delight to come across this kind of book; the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius is sublime and makes this book a total joy. The philosophy conveyed in this book is very sophisticated and transcends all time. (Translated from Spanish)

[Imanolco · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The framework is much writing, I don't know how it would carry Rome...

General ideas:
-Human nature
-Common good (favoring individual good)
-Death
-Essence
-Perception
-Ascesis
-In what one has control over (Translated from Spanish)

[Antero3242 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Collection of the Stoic ideas of Emperor Marcus Aurelius that have been, and are, a reference for the philosophical thought of Stoicism.
These meditations would be a great contribution to 21st-century society, providing a realistic view of the human race, its characteristics, and its limitations.
A good book to meditate on our behavior in the face of the difficulties that life offers us, and even on our behavior towards death. (Translated from Spanish)

[danielRobles0910 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent book, I read and reread it a lot, with simple rules based on stoicism, which lead in my opinion and as I understood it to having a purpose in life. (Translated from Spanish)

[winston200263 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent for reflection (Translated from Spanish)

[Pricarte · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I found his reflections on behavior, on death, on the meaning of life and relationships, etc., very interesting. I miss having politicians of the stature of this 2nd-century Emperor with such depth of thought. I read it because I saw that someone was asking for advice on a self-help book, and they recommended this one! They were right. Few things help as much as listening to the reflections of wise, kind, and sensitive people. (Translated from Spanish)

[Ulises Moreno · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Setting aside some doubts it has left me; for example, when he talks about God and gods (I understand that Christianity was gaining strength in his time back in Rome), his religious beliefs are not clear to me; some of his thoughts are simple yet profound and very useful, even in our times. (Translated from Spanish)

[LuisMKstillo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

From the Philosopher Emperor, with the most intimate notes written for those who need to develop a stoic personality. (Translated from Spanish)

[YaraDalila94 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Recommended for anyone in need of warmth for the soul. (Translated from Spanish)

[Guiselita · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It is so full of wisdom that it has become my life reference book. It was a gift and has been the most worthwhile gift of my life ?♥️ (Translated from Spanish)

[AntonioSacra · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excelso. Extremely beautiful, like the view of the moon at sunset. Highly recommended. (Translated from Spanish)