Meditations

Meditations

by Marcus Aurelius
Epub (Kobo), Epub (Adobe)
Publication Date: 13/11/2022

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Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations" is a profound exploration of Stoic philosophy, presented in the form of personal reflections and philosophical musings. Composed during his military campaigns in the 2nd century AD, this seminal work combines a deeply introspective style with vivid observations of the human condition. Aurelius grapples with themes such as duty, virtue, the transient nature of life, and the importance of reason, making his thoughts both timeless and universally relatable. The text is characterized by its direct, unembellished prose, echoing the Stoic principles of clarity and simplicity, and reflects a rich philosophical context that intertwines personal and communal ethics, emphasizing the value of resilience in the face of adversity. Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor and a philosopher, is often revered as the embodiment of Stoic ideals. His life was marked by challenges, including wars and personal losses, which catalyzed his writings in "Meditations." His unique perspective as a ruler navigating the complexities of power and morality lends a remarkable authenticity to his thoughts. Aurelius' philosophy is not merely theoretical; it is rooted in the realities of his existence and offers insights into maintaining equanimity amid chaos. This book is a timeless guide for anyone seeking wisdom and guidance in navigating the complexities of life. Readers will find inspiration in Aurelius' reflections, encouraging them to pursue virtue and mindfulness in their personal journeys. "Meditations" is not just a philosophical treatise but a companion for those striving to cultivate resilience and inner peace in a turbulent world.

ISBN:
8596547389484
8596547389484
Category:
Ethics & moral philosophy
Format:
Epub (Kobo), Epub (Adobe)
Publication Date:
13-11-2022
Language:
English
Publisher:
DigiCat
Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus was born in AD 121, in the reign of the emperor Hadrian. At first he was called Marcus Annius Verus, but his well-born father died young and he was adopted, first by his grandfather, who had him educated by a number of excellent tutors, and then, when he was sixteen, by Aurelius Antoninus, his uncle by marriage, who had been adopted as Hadrian's heir, and had no surviving sons of his own. Aurelius Antoninus changed Marcus' name to his own and betrothed him to his daughter, Faustina. She bore fourteen children, but none of the sons survived Marcus except the worthless Commodus, who eventually succeeded Marcus as emperor.

On the death of Antoninus in 161, Marcus made Lucius Verus, another adopted son of his uncle, his colleague in government. There were thus two emperors ruling jointly for the first time in Roman history. The Empire then entered a period troubled by natural disasters, famine, plague and floods, and by invasions of barbarians. In 168, one year before the death of Verus left him in sole command, Marcus went to join his legions on the Danube.

Apart from a brief visit to Asia to crush the revolt of Avidius Cassius, whose followers he treated with clemency, Marcus stayed in the Danube region and consoled his somewhat melancholy life there by writing a series of reflections which he called simply To Himself. These are now known as his Meditations, and they reveal a mind of great humanity and natural humility, formed in the Stoic tradition, which has long been admired in the Christian world. He died, of an infectious disease, perhaps, in camp on 17 March AD 180.

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