Meditations: A New Translation

"What am I doing with my soul?" This collection of sublime thoughts compiled as a book (originally titled as "Eis Heauton", meaning: "To Himself"; original language was Greek) has never gone out of print since circa AD 161. The writer, Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, was a Roman emperor and the most renowned stoic philosopher of antiquity. My review though is not about the book itself but about the various available translations of the book. There are three noted translations which are most readily available in market: 1. A. S. L. Farquharson's Everyman's Library hardcover edition. 2. Martin Hammond's Penguin Classics edition. 3. Gregory Hays' Modern Library edition. The first one is the most revered edition published in 1944. Though the physical appearance of this edition is the most eye-catching with an elegantly produced hardcover binding and handsome printing, the translation seems dated and old-fashioned. If you want to exhibit your book collection in front of people, you may buy this edition. Though for reading pleasure and better understanding of the philosophy, I'll not recommend it. The second edition by Penguin (2006) is better than the Farquharson's as far as readability is concerned, but avoid this one too. This translation is more inclined to the exactness of the original text than the readability or understandability of the writing. As it seems, this is the bestselling edition of "Meditations" as far as the Amazon's Indian website is concerned. Thanks to the Penguin Classics tag attached to it, perhaps. No matter what, this is NOT the best edition in comparison. The last edition which is by Hays (2002), in my opinion (and as per the general consensus as well), is the best edition available. This is the most comprehensible translation of "Meditations" for the modern readers. The language is fluid and contemporary. If you want to study the thoughts of Aurelius more profoundly then get this Gregory Hays edition, paperback published by Modern Library (snapshots attached).

A very good, easy to read, and modern translation. Meditations consists of various chapters. Within each chapter there are short(ish) aphorisms. A good way to read Meditations is to first read the Introduction and Preface to get the general idea and to familiarize yourself with the terminology and concepts. Then read each chapter. There is no need to understand each and every aphorism (it is not possible either). There is a lot of repetition of ideas as you would expect, and things get clear as you go along. And as you read, reflect on it, and summarize it in your own words. And most importantly of course, put these ideas to use :-) Also, read critically. Some ideas are very debatable. Stoic philosophy posits that our "nature" endows us with various powers (courage, fortitude, etc.) and that we are free to use and exercise these powers. Easier said than done. Paper quality is very poor. I will call/email the publisher and complain - I hope that you do too ! PS: There is a lot of talk on reading multiple translations to understand the book. IMO there's no need unless you are doing research on the topic. One book studied deeply will suffice for most people.

Hard to understand. MAY be I was not in moode to read

There are many translations available of meditation book, I would like to suggest everyone to buy the book Published by modern library edition which is written by Gregory hay, it has a great introduction and translation. Now coming to book, it's actually not a book but a personal diary of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius who used to follow stoic philosophy. Paper quality is avg and can be improved but you can't expect much in 300-400rs. To understand his views and ideas you should have basic idea of stoicism and for that i would suggest you to buy guide to good life by Irvine which gives overall view of stoicism and how to implement those ideas in your life. Also if you really like the idea of stoicism and want to read more i would suggest to read seneca letters and Epictetus discourse. I consider myself very lucky that i got introduced to stoicism and it really changed my whole perspective, it's just like gita where you can find timeless wisdom, and I'm going to use it's quote in daily life here are few which i liked most: 1)You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. 2)Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth. 3)If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment. 4)When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love ... 5)Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present. Thank you for reading my review, I hope it gave you overview of the book and if you know any more great books then please suggest more books on stoic philosophy.

Best purchase ever. It’s life changing.

This is a great companion for when one is a bit spiritually lost in life. There were some succinct truths about interpersonal equations and how to manage them from a more philosophical perspective. It is fascinating and amusing to realise that the same travails that a Roman emperor faced, are the same ones that we grapple with today. It was also reassuring to read this. Every person must read it as a coming-of-age read, so that they can go forth in the outside world armed with an emotionally stable core, more humaneness, and an overall magnanimous perspective of their fellow human beings.

Marcus Aurelius, the life changer√

The book itself certainly needs no validation from me. It is perhaps the most important book on stoic philosophy I don't think I can say anything about it that has not already been said. I had read it earlier on Kindle but wanted to get a hard copy for my collection. However, the remarkable nature of the content is utterly let down by the inferior paper quality. Even the cover is really thin and made of cheap quality paper. I had higher hopes from the publisher, especially for a book of this stature.

Essential reading for your stoic journey

On the surface Marcus Aurelius is clear in his words. Most of what he says is common sense, bar, perhaps, anything related to providence and god - although, those words have somewhat different meaning in a Stoic sense than what we may associate with them today. Because everything is so clear, is common sense and applicable to our life today the experience reading this book is profound. It's not one to rush through, though. One want to take time to reflect. Reflection can be challenging. Because Marcus challenges our (modern) habits of rushing through life, ever busy, never truly present, often angry, and attached to external goods - we are consuming, but are we living? And are we living well? Reflection on his words can change perspective. And thus can be life changing - if the moral guide Marcus lays out, based on the ancient virtues of Stoic philosophy, are applied in practice in ones life. This often sounds easier than done, in reality. However, it's the same for everything in life: one needs to start, continue to learn, train and get better. Marcus, like many of us, is in this inner fight between what is right and what is wrong. He wants to be a good man, doing the right things, and reminding him in these meditations how to live the good life. On its own, without having any introduction and understanding of Stoic doctrine, the book is certainly valuable to read. However, I can only encourage one to look deeper into the details of Stoic philosophy to get a full understanding of the meaning of Marcus' words. As only then one can truly grasp the "why" beneath the individual paragraphs. Then the Meditations can become a guide for life to keep close to hand at any moment to call on for help and guidance at any moment of uncertainty, struggle and loss. This translation from Gregory Hays is superb. Simple, modern English, without losing the beauty of the language of the original.

Superbe édition, papier de qualité

Interesting read, many thoughts — reiterated to show importance

I’m not sure if this is normal but it’s the first time i’ve seen this so i’m pretty sure it’s not.