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  • Published: 24 May 2006
  • ISBN: 9780140449334
  • Imprint: Penguin Classics
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $19.99

Meditations




A new translation of Marcus Aurelius's pithy and inspirational philosophical notebooks.

Written in Greek by an intellectual Roman emperor without any intention of publication, the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius (AD 121-180) offer a wide range of fascinating spiritual reflections and exercises developed as the leader struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Spanning from doubt and despair to conviction and exaltation, they cover such diverse topics as the question of virtue, human rationality, the nature of the gods and Aurelius's own emotions. But while the Meditations were composed to provide personal consolation, in developing his beliefs Marcus also created one of the greatest of all works of philosophy: a series of wise and practical aphorisms that have been consulted and admired by statesmen, thinkers and ordinary readers for almost two thousand years.

  • Published: 24 May 2006
  • ISBN: 9780140449334
  • Imprint: Penguin Classics
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $19.99

Other books in the series

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The New Penguin Book Of American Short Stories, From Washington Irving To Lydia Davis
When You Are Old
The Black Tulip
The Lady of the Camellias
The Good Soldier
Selected Poetry
Venus in Furs
Man and Superman
Military Dispatches
The Prelude

About the author

Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD). He was a Roman emperor who ruled from 161 AD to 180 AD and is known for his Stoic philosophy and his book Meditations which is a collection of his personal reflections on life and his philosophy. He was educated in philosophy, rhetoric, and literature by some of the best teachers of his time including the famous Fronto. The writings of Epictetus, a famous Stoic philosopher greatly influenced him. His main ideology of life was to live a virtuous life and he emphasized the importance of reason, self-discipline, and moral responsibility.

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Praise for Meditations

Martin Hammond's translation of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, like his Iliad and Odyssey, is the work of an unusually gifted translator, and one who understands the value added by careful attention to supplementary material. He writes natural English, direct and often eloquent; the text is well supported by effective notes and a characteristically thorough and well-planned index; Diskin Clay supplies a useful introduction. This is a fine volume

Malcolm Heath, Greece & Rome Journal

Marcus is well served by this new translation. Hammond has a pithy turn of phrase to match the emperor's own . . . His notes abound in helpful explanation and illuminating cross-reference. Diskin Clay contributes a sparkling and sympathetic introduction. The combination of introduction, translation and notes is as good as they get

John Taylor, Journal of Classics Teaching