Meditations: by Marcus Aurelius

by Marcus Aurelius, George Long (translator)

"Meditations" by Emperor Marcus Aurelius, embodies a noble yet limited attempt to approach metaphysical truth. Marcus Aurelius, as a Stoic emperor, embarks on a personal quest for wisdom and self-mastery, which is commendable in its intent. However, when examining his work in light of philosophia perennis, certain shortcomings become apparent.

Firstly, "Meditations" primarily focuses on the individual and their inner quest, often neglecting the broader and more universal aspects of reality. This fixation on the self and the pursuit of inner tranquility, while noble, remains confined to an individualistic framework that fails to fully grasp the metaphysical truths that transcend the ego.

Moreover, Marcus Aurelius seems to rely solely on human reason to attain wisdom, which is insufficient. Philosophia perennis teaches that true wisdom stems from divine revelation and the primordial tradition, which transcend individual reason. Thus, Stoic philosophy, as presented in "Meditations," overlooks the ultimate source of wisdom.

Finally, Stoicism largely remains within the realm of morality and individual conduct. It fails to delve deeply into esoteric and metaphysical truths that surpass the material world.

"Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius is a sincere testimony of his personal quest for wisdom and introspection, but it falls short of reaching the depths of Guénonian philosophia perennis due to inherent limitations of Stoic philosophy and the individualistic approach. For a truly profound understanding of metaphysical reality, it is necessary to turn to traditional and revealed sources.

Genres: Philosophy, Classics, Nonfiction

544 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 13, 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

[Jonas Lønborg]

“For nowhere either with more quiet or more freedom from trouble does a man retire than into his own soul […] Tranquility is nothing else than the good ordering of the mind” (p40)

“‘Unhappy am I because this has happened to me.’ - Not so, but happy that I, though this has happened to me, because I continue free from pain, neither crushed by the present nor fearing the future.” (P 51)

“That which had died falls not out of the universe.” (P99)

[Sin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most amazing quotes from the famous stoic philosopher, Marcus Aurelius. Beautiful vegan leather, ribbon bookmark, and gold foil designs.

[Pmslax]

Plan to read a meditation each day. I'm reading Les Miserables at the rate of a chapter a day.

[Vlad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing.

This book really describes in a very sufficient way the stoic view.

We suffer more in our imagination than in our reality,
It explains to see obstacle as the way, and to see life and ongoing on it should become on that.

Every animal has a purpose as human being, rather being stoic is self improvement that engages you’re productivity and willpower to improve.

You have 2 ears and one mouth, listen more than you speak.

If any bad happen never go in that and start acting bad.

Stoics has the biggest possession and that’s power inside you not outside you, the one in fact you can control.