The Wisdom of Marcus Aurelius

by Marcus Aurelius, Robin Waterfield (translator)

บันทึกแห่งการครุ่นคิดของ ‘มาร์คัส ออเรลิอุส’
มาร์คัส ออเรลิอุส แอนโทนินัสเป็นจักรพรรดิองค์ที่ 16 ของกรุงโรมและเป็นบุคคลที่ทรงอำนาจมากที่สุดในโลก ความคิดที่รวบรวมไว้ซึ่งเรียกกันว่า "บันทึกแห่งการครุ่นคิด" ได้พิสูจน์ให้เห็นแล้วว่าเป็นแหล่งที่มาของปัญญาที่ไม่มีวันหมดสิ้น และเป็นหนึ่งในตำราสโตอิกที่สำคัญที่สุดตลอดกาล ตำราเหล่านี้เขียนด้วยภาษาที่เปี่ยมด้วยอารมณ์ ซึ่งเนื้อหาในตำรามีตั้งแต่สุภาษิตบรรทัดเดียวไปจนถึงเรียงความ ตั้งแต่ความล้ำลึกไปจนถึงความขมขื่น
The Wisdom of Marcus Aurelius
เล่มนี้ซึ่งเป็นฉบับย่อและพกพาสะดวก ได้อธิบายให้เห็นภาพถึงผลงานปรัชญาที่ยิ่งใหญ่ที่สุดชิ้นหนึ่งที่โลกเคยมีมา

Genres: Classics

240 pages, Hardcover

Published March 11, 2025

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

[Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wisdom of Marcus Aurelius is an abridged version of Robin Waterfield's translation of Meditations: The Annotated Edition, which I read around the time it was first published. This version organizes Marcus's writings across 50+ themes such as change, joy, health, old age, prayer, and truth. This is a good way to read it in case you want to read something on a specific theme; however, I think there is something special about reading Meditations in the original order. If you read this book and have never read the complete Meditations, I highly recommend you get the unabridged version and read either Robin Waterfield's translation or Gregory Hays's translation.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is someone going to despise me? That’s his concern. Mine is to see that I don’t do or say anything that deserves to be despised. Is someone going to hate me? That’s his concern. I’ll remain kind and benevolent to everyone. Marcus Aurelius

I first learned of Marcus Aurelius in a World Lit class in high school. In freshman year of college I was in an Ancient Philosophy Class and read Meditations, which greatly impressed me, especially the idea that outside matters cannot affect us unless we allow it. Stoicism offers this remarkable agency of control over one’s “command center,” as Robin Waterfield translates it in The Wisdom of Marcus Aurelius.

The best form of defense is not to become like one’s enemy. Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius wrote down his thoughts as a way of centering himself in his practise as a Stoic. As emperor of Rome, his reign was faced with many challenges but he endeavored to self analyze his actions and arrange thoughts according to his belief system.

Don’t act as though you were going to live for ten thousand years. Fate is hanging over your head. While you live–while you can–be a good man. Marcus Aurelius

This small, compact, but powerful collection of quotes from Marcus Aurelius offers wisdom by themes, from self command over one’s emotions to accepting the circle of life.

If something external is causing you distress, it’s not the thing itself that’s troubling you, but your judgement about it, and it’s within your power to erase that right now. Marcus Aurelius

The advice transcends time and place. Accepting whatever comes and dealing with it. Doing what is right, to everyone, at all times. Understanding what is and is not under your control. The brevity of life and the frailty of the human body. The purposelessness of revenge, seeking fame or power or possessions, anger. All men, even the great, will be forgotten. Live each day as if it were your last.

Continually remind yourself of all those highly dissatisfied men who pushed the boundaries of fortune in one way or another–in terms of fame, perhaps, or catastrophe met with, or enemies made. And then ask yourself: Where is it all now? Smoke and ashes, the stuff of stories or not even that. How worthless was all that expenditure of effort! Marcus Aurelius

Adopting these attitudes is a strength, especially in troubled times.

Thanks to the publisher for a free book.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In themselves, the things of the world have no effect on the mind; they can't get through to it, they can't sway it, and they can't stir it. The only thing that changes and stirs the mind is the mind.

Find your bliss in simplicity, modesty, and indifference to the whole range of things between virtue and vice. Love mankind. Follow God's lead.

Find joy and rest in one thing alone: in moving from one socially useful act to another, while remaining mindful of God.

Soon you'll have forgotten everything; soon everyone will have forgotten you.

Accept graciously. Let go easily.

Remember that each of us lives only in the fleeting present moment, and that all the rest of our lives has either already been lived or is undisclosed.

Be joyful within and in need of no external assistance or peace provided by others.
You must stand straight and not be straightened.

The things of the world cannot affect the soul; they lie inert outside it, and only internal beliefs can disturb it.

Clear your mind; control your impulses, extinguish desire, see that your command center retains its self-mastery.

Dig inside yourself. Inside you, there's a wellspring of goodness, which is capable of gushing all the time, as long as you keep digging.

[David Balcarcel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy & digestible read. I like how the chapters are labeled as “on death”, “on doing good”. Although it doesn’t 100% resonate with me, it’s somewhat of a reassuring book. It’s my first book in the philosophy field so I’m sure I’ll revisit especially with all the knowledge I gain in the future. I know it’s kind of redundant considering I haven’t read “Meditations” yet… keyword “yet” but I’m looking forward to reading more. I recommend it to someone who’s trying to get into philosophy. Definitely revisiting.

[Nick Julch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good quick read on bite-sized philosophies. An easy jump into light Stoicism if that’s your thing or just a view into a successful Roman emperor’s thoughts.

[Michelle Nakagawa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting. Obviously, his life and times formed his thoughts and opinions, so fitting them all into my life isn't completely possible, but still a worthy read.

[Jack O’Donnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Digestible translation of Meditations. Very interesting perspectives that have withstood the test of time and are enjoyable to read in spurts. 3.8/5