The Meditations: An Emperor's Guide to Mastery

by Marcus Aurelius, Sam Torode, George Long (translator)

How to think clearly, act purposefully, overcome obstacles, and find peace & happiness along the way.

Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE) was one of the few true philosopher-kings in history.

His father died when Marcus was three. At age fifteen, he was adopted by his aunt's husband, the future Emperor Antoninus Pius, putting him in the line of succession. At forty, he became a reluctant emperor of the Roman Empire.

Marcus was conflicted because the demands of being emperor--on top of the temptations of wealth and power--seemed incompatible with his true to be a humble student of philosophy.

Over time, though, he worked out a practical philosophy that kept him grounded amidst the stresses and excesses of palace life. That's why his philosophy is so relevant to us today, in the modern world.

How did he fare as emperor? During his twenty years of service, Marcus earned the love of the people and the loyalty of the senate. Later historians called him "the last of the five good emperors."

In spare moments, Marcus wrote the journal entries collected in The Meditations . They were not intended for publication, but to remind Marcus himself of his principles and priorities. As a result, they are intimate, direct, and extremely useful.

This new edition of The Meditations is an interpretive paraphrase in contemporary English, with a foreword, by bestselling author Sam Torode. (It’s based on the 1862 translation by George Long.) A companion volume, The Manual of Epictetus, is also available from Ancient Renewal.

Genres: Philosophy

86 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2024

About the author

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."

Reviews

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written little book; reads like an incredibly kind and wise father figure, trying to pass on his wisdoms on his deathbed. He doesn't pressure you to exceed his success, or try to mold you into his vision; he simply wants to see you do well in life.

I only wish it was organized by topics: on Reason, on Death, etc. But as readers we can do that ourselves upon rereading it. It's such a concise little book after all.

[Carli Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected more from The Meditations to be honest. While a lot of the considerations were very alike in content or sentiment there were a few I shall be revisiting and taking with me. I think the beauty of these sorts of books is that you will eventually find the phrasing that reasons to your specific mind and soul… it just takes reading a whole book of a few phrases on repeat to find them.

[Søren Gravesen-Hvass · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good interpretation of the original meditations. Torode has rephrased the sometimes stilted language of the emperor (and translators), and shortened the texts by removing basic duplicates across the chapters/books. It works surprisingly well, and the book is a great way to get a first impression of the thoughts of Marcus Aurelius - and be inspired to read the original text.

[Dipan Rout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meditations has been the best book, I’ve read in 2024. It was so good that I re-read it. Every line feels noteworthy. Your soul feels at peace.

[Andrea Serio · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful and inspiring book about life. The most impressive aspect is how the words of an ancient Roman emperor can still feel so close to people of our age.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, concise, and easily understood.

[Mihir Dixit · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Uyanga Batbold · Rating 5 out of 5]

This become a book that i read maybe 1,2 pages every night before sleeping 🩵🩵🩵