The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

by Marcus AureliusGeorge Long (Translator) and Stephen Cox (Illustrator)
Epub (Kobo), Epub (Adobe)
Publication Date: 13/01/2020

Share This eBook:

  $0.99

Meditations is described by Wikipedia as "a series of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD, recording his private notes to himself and ideas on Stoic philosophy.


Marcus Aurelius wrote the 12 books of the Meditations in Koine Greek as a source for his own guidance and self-improvement. It is possible that large portions of the work were written at Sirmium, where he spent much time planning military campaigns from 170 to 180. Some of it was written while he was positioned at Aquincum on campaign in Pannonia, because internal notes tell us that the first book was written when he was campaigning against the Quadi on the river Granova (modern-day Hron) and the second book was written at Carnuntum.


It is unlikely that Marcus Aurelius ever intended the writings to be published and the work has no official title, so "Meditations" is one of several titles commonly assigned to the collection. These writings take the form of quotations varying in length from one sentence to long paragraphs.”


Excerpt from book 1:


I. Of my grandfather Verus I have learned to be gentle and meek, and to

refrain from all anger and passion. From the fame and memory of him that

begot me I have learned both shamefastness and manlike behaviour. Of my

mother I have learned to be religious, and bountiful; and to forbear,

not only to do, but to intend any evil; to content myself with a spare

diet, and to fly all such excess as is incidental to great wealth. Of my

great-grandfather, both to frequent public schools and auditories, and

to get me good and able teachers at home; and that I ought not to think

much, if upon such occasions, I were at excessive charges.


II. Of him that brought me up, not to be fondly addicted to either of

the two great factions of the coursers in the circus, called Prasini,

and Veneti: nor in the amphitheatre partially to favour any of the

gladiators, or fencers, as either the Parmularii, or the Secutores.

Moreover, to endure labour; nor to need many things; when I have

anything to do, to do it myself rather than by others; not to meddle

with many businesses; and not easily to admit of any slander.


III. Of Diognetus, not to busy myself about vain things, and not easily

to believe those things, which are commonly spoken, by such as take upon

them to work wonders, and by sorcerers, or prestidigitators, and

impostors; concerning the power of charms, and their driving out of

demons, or evil spirits; and the like. Not to keep quails for the game;

nor to be mad after such things. Not to be offended with other men's

liberty of speech, and to apply myself unto philosophy. Him also I must

thank, that ever I heard first Bacchius, then Tandasis and Marcianus,

and that I did write dialogues in my youth; and that I took liking to

the philosophers' little couch and skins, and such other things, which

by the Grecian discipline are proper to those who profess philosophy.

ISBN:
1230003667194
1230003667194
Category:
Philosophy
Format:
Epub (Kobo), Epub (Adobe)
Publication Date:
13-01-2020
Language:
English
Publisher:
Stephen
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.

This item is delivered digitally

Reviews

Be the first to review The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius.