Meditations

The profundity and spirit of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius is brought out superbly in this authoritative edition of Meditations, translated by George Long.

All twelve books are present, complete with their original footnotes which help to clarify and explain the meanings behind the passages. Since the original text was written in Greek after the spirit of many classical philosophers, an index of Greek terminology is also included at the conclusion for the benefit of the reader. 

The spirit of Stoicism, whereby Marcus Aurelius details a lifetime spent cultivating good habits, manners, attitude and evenness of temperament are laid out upon these pages evocatively. Many of the pages are thought to have been written at Sirmium, during periods of military planning. It is a strongly autobiographical text; each book focuses upon a different time - from upbringing to youth to maturity. The writing is famously frank, clear and honest - with none of the superiority or pretense one might expect of an Emperor of Rome. 

Marcus Aurelius was notable for his philosophical and stoical outlook on life, and for successfully melding these traits into a rule which was successful and popular among all classes of Roman society. Having studied extensively with the finest teachers of his era since childhood, it was with many reservations that Marcus would assume place as ruler of imperialist Rome, and the great responsibilities such a position entailed. Yet at the conclusion of his reign and life in 180 A.D., Marcus Aurelius was lauded for being the philosopher king of Platonic thought. 

Some passages of Meditations read as if written on the spot; prompt inspirations and thoughts gained between flurries of activity on a busy day. Others carry a more contemplative and regal air; likely written during periods of lengthier calm and pause from the stresses and demands that were part and parcel of being the chief commander of the Roman armed forces during such pivotal military campaigns. 

This text of Meditations is however timeless and inspiring. It is also quotable and succinctly memorable, as in these examples: 

"Take away your opinion, and there is taken away the complaint, [...] Take away the complaint, [...] and the hurt is gone."

"Do not then consider life a thing of any value. For look at the immensity of time behind thee, and to the time which is before thee, another boundless space. In this infinity then what is the difference between him who lives three days and him who lives three generations?"