Meditations

Deep thoughts by an old smart guy who sat around thinking and writing stuff down. Be stoic. Or not. You be you. I like stoicism so read this book. Or not.

Great Book. Yes, the pages are on the thin side. It’s no big deal, my Bibles have thin pages. It designed nicely and I like the photos. Thank you!

Old advice still applies today

This book was recommended by Ryan Holiday, author and TikTok influencer. It’s a beautiful copy containing timeless wisdom handed down through centuries. The most private thoughts of Marcus Aurelius, real, freaking history in the palm of my hand!

Pages seem alil thin but it'll be fine

Changes the foundation of your existing way of thought. A captivating way of thinking that helps the process of life.

Focusing on the ideas and reflections by Marcus Aurelius, this is easily a 5-star book; the translation, however left much to be desired. The book is not at all what I had expected: yes, it is clearly "stoicism", but much gentler and introspective than I imagined - the notion that one go out of their way to be uncomfortable or mortify the flesh is not at all what Marcus Aurelius was concerned with here. Rather, many of his thoughts are related to what we in the 21st century call "being present" or "grounded". Recognizing the temporariness of existence and making an effort to live in and enjoy the moment. To be wary of flattery and to not take oneself too seriously. To "get in the mind" of a long-dead emperor and one who had such an impact on the classical world is another reason I recommend this book beyond its value philosophically. Unfortunate, then, that the translation leaves so much to be desired. (The irony of this, particularly in a book on stoicism, is not lost on me.) I get that the translator was attempting to capture the flavor of the original Latin. But the use of anachronistic language ("thee", "thou", "dost" and "art") got in the way of the narrative flow and I found myself "translating" into modern English in any event. Better to have dispensed with that to begin with.

Phenomenal quality great read everyone should have it