Member Reviews

"Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius is a classic work of philosophy that has stood the test of time. Written over 2,000 years ago, it is still relevant and thought-provoking today.

The book is a series of personal writings and reflections by Aurelius, who was a Roman Emperor and a Stoic philosopher. In "Meditations," he writes about his own personal struggles and how he used Stoicism to overcome them.

One of the things that I really appreciated about "Meditations" was the way that Aurelius writes about his own experiences and insights in a way that is relatable and universal. He writes about the human condition in a way that is timeless and applicable to anyone, regardless of their circumstances.

One of the key themes of "Meditations" is the idea of living a virtuous life. Aurelius writes about the importance of living in accordance with reason and virtue, and he encourages readers to focus on what is within their control and to let go of what is beyond their control. This is a powerful message that resonates with readers even today.

Another theme that I found particularly interesting in "Meditations" was the idea of finding peace and contentment within oneself. Aurelius writes about the importance of finding inner peace and living a simple and fulfilling life. This is something that I think many people today could benefit from, as we live in a world that often promotes a materialistic and superficial lifestyle.

Overall, I would highly recommend "Meditations" to anyone interested in philosophy or self-improvement. It is a timeless work that offers valuable insights and wisdom that can be applied to anyone's life. Whether you are a seasoned philosopher or just starting to explore the world of philosophy, "Meditations" is a book that is well worth reading.

Was this review helpful?

An excellent addition of an important work, of interest to historians and scholars as well as those who simply want to analyse their own way of living or make improvements to their own lives. A good translation with informative notes, allowing you to read at the level of detail you choose.

Was this review helpful?

The oldest New Age book evarrr! I appreciate (and realise I've seen before but didn't know this was the source) what Marcus writes but a lot of it feels either repetitive, uninteresting, banal, or something I've heard voiced before differently. Sure, he was one of the originators, and I think this is a fine book for some people but it wasn't for me. Didn't really enlighten me much and doesn't really read well in a sequence - you can tell this was cobbled together from random scraps written throughout the man's life.

Was this review helpful?

I've been curious about this book for a long time but kept putting it off, thinking it would be too dense and too hard to read. Wrong! I'm left with a vision of a modern-day man, writing thoughts on Post-It notes and sticking them all over his desk. A lot of what Marcus Aurelius had to say (to himself) is relevant today - which also surprised me. I was disappointed that there wasn't more of his writing. Most of the book is taken up by the introduction (useful - I wouldn't recommend skipping this part) and the notes at the end. I feel like there should be more, but who knows what has been lost?

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy to review. This review is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

Was this review helpful?