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Summary
Summary
Written by an intellectual Roman emperor without any intention of publication, the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius are the spiritual reflections and exercises developed as the leader struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Today these simple, practical aphorisms continue to offer guidance and consolation to many with their eloquence, wisdom and humility.
Author Notes
Born in Rome, in 121, Marcus Aurelius was one of the most respected emperors in Roman history. When he was 17, Aurelius was adopted by emperor Antonius Pius and succeeded him in A.D. 161. He ruled jointly with his adoptive brother, Lucius Verus, until 169, when he became sole emperor after Verus died. Although Aurelius was a humanitarian ruler, he accepted the view that Christians were the enemies of Rome.
Aurelius was dovoted to the Stoic philosophy. Meditations, his spiritual reflections, is considered a classic work of stoicism. Written in Greek, the work comprises of twelve books and records his innermost thoughts. Meditations is his only surviving work.
Aurelius died in 180 while prosecuting war against the Marcomanni who lived along the northern limits of the Roman Empire. After his death Aurelius was idealized as the perfect emperor whose reign contrasted sharply with the disastrous period before him and the reigns that followed.
(Bowker Author Biography)
Reviews (1)
Library Journal Review
Aurelius's musings on man's duty to himself, his family, and others comprise one of the great works of Stoic philosophy and have remained influential since their initial publication some 500 years ago (they are a favorite of former President Clinton's). Author/narrator Duncan Steen reads this relatively short revision of George Long's 1862 translation in a manner befitting the author and subject matter: dispassionately, but not monotonously, always in control of his emotions. Steen's pacing and intonation allow the philosopher/emperor's thoughts on life and how to live it to speak for themselves. All libraries should consider.-Michael T. Fein, Central Virginia Community Coll. Lib., Lynchburg (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Excerpts
Excerpts
Book One 1. Courtesy and serenity of temper I first learnt to know from my grandfather Verus. 2. Manliness without ostentation I learnt from what I have heard and remember of my father. 3. My mother set me an example of piety and generosity, avoidance of all uncharitableness - not in actions only, but in thought as well - and a simplicity of life quite unlike the usual habits of the rich. 4. To my great-grandfather I owed the advice to dispense with the education of the schools and have good masters at home instead - and to realize that no expense should be grudged for this purpose. 5. It was my tutor who dissuaded me from patronizing Green or Blue* at the races, or Light or Heavy+ in the ring; and encouraged me not to be afraid of work, to be sparing in my wants, attend to my own needs, mind my own business, and never listen to gossip. * The colours of the rival charioteers in the Circus. Roman enthusiasm for these races was unbounded; successful drivers earned large fortunes and became popular idols. + In one form of gladiatorial combat (the 'Thracian') the opponents were armed with light round bucklers; in another (the 'Samnite') they carried heavy oblong shields. Excerpted from Meditations by Marcus Aurelius All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.