The Meditations
Written by Marcus Aurelius
Narrated by LibriVox Community
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About this audiobook
Marcus Aurelius wrote Meditations in Greek while on campaign between 170 and 180, as a source for his own guidance and self-improvement.
These memos survive and continue to inspire others to this day. These writings take the form of quotations varying in length from one sentence to long paragraphs. He explicates the Stoic philosophy that the only way a man can be harmed by others is to allow his reaction to overpower him.
He shows no particular religious faith in his writings, but seems to believe that some sort of logical, benevolent force organizes the universe in such a way that even "bad" occurrences happen for the good of the whole.
Summary by Ticktockman
Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius was Roman emperor at the height of Rome's power and prosperity. Under his rule the Mediterranean world was better governed than at any time since. He was also a follower of the Stoic tradition of philosophy, and one of its finest advocates, both in the clarity and simplicity of his writing, and in the uprightness of his life. The Meditations are a set of aphorisms, personal reflections written by Marcus towards the end of his life, during the decade or more he spent campaigning in the remote Danube region. They show how even an emperor may be prey to doubt, anxiety and exasperation, and how for him, as perhaps for us all, the answer lies in submission to providence, and a refusal to be cast down or alarmed by things over which we have no control.
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Reviews for The Meditations
25 ratings1 review
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Excellent work! A good place to begin in philosophy and theological reflection. As a Christian, I find many parallels in stoic philosophy, especially in this work. Highly recommended
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