Product Description

Of all the wisdom through the ages, that contained in the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius’ meditations must be amongst the most profound. So much so that his writings were to influence millions of readers for centuries afterwards. Today, these meditations have lost none of their power or relevance.

In this new interpretation, the Emperor’s timeless reflections on life, death and happiness are brought to life once again. In 230 meditations, we contemplate such themes as self-improvement and the difficulties of living a virtuous life; how to deal with the many emotions we experience, from anger to greed to courage; and the beauty of nature and the nature of the mind. We all seek a reason for living, an understanding of our role. Marcus Aurelius can assist us with this quest, and he does so with great beauty, insight and warmth.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #347613 in Books
• Published on: 2001-07-19
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Abraham Lincoln claimed that the best way to test a man's character is to give him power. Surely Marcus Aurelius' golden reign over the Roman Empire from 161 to 180 AD was such a test. Although this highly educated pagan despised wars and battles, "barbarian" tribes constantly besieged his empire on the Asian and German borders. As a result, he spent eight miserable winters camped by the frozen Danube River acting as commander-in-chief over his triumphant armies. During those gloomy nights he penned many of the meditations that appear in this excellent translation.

The lack of arrogance or self-pity in his ruminations offers proof that Aurelius passed the test of character with flying colours. Furthermore, the best way to test a person's writing is to give it time. Once again, Aurelius demolished the test. For example, contemporary world leaders would do well to heed the advice under the heading "Talking and Being" where he writes, "Stop talking about what the good person should be, and just be that person." Most of these quotes are similarly brief as he extols the virtues of working hard, not acting impulsively, and living in communion with the natural world. Like Thich Nhat Hanh or Kahlil Gibran, this is an accessible writer of lasting spiritual integrity. --Gail Hudson

About the Author
Mark Forstater is a producer of films and television documentaries. His most famous production is Monty Python and The Holy Grail. An American, he lives and works in London. He is married with three daughters. Marcus Aurelius was Emperor of Rome from 161 AD until his death in 180, during which time he witnessed the gradual crumbling of the Roman frontiers, as well as famines and plagues. During the many years of war he turned more and more to the study of the Stoic philosophy, which he had followed since he was a young boy, and wrote a series of reflections now known as the Meditations

Customer Reviews

A real masterpiece.For those spiritual or cynical.
A real masterpiece for all listeners whether spiritual or cynical .The delicious observations of Marcus Aurelius constantly leave a broad smile of acknowledgement across your face. The choice of Derek Jacobi was a piece of sheer magic.His voice has a quality which perfectly complements the content and wisdom of the material and together they combine to produce an effect which-even for those who care little for contemplation- re-asserts all the things we've learned from the University of Life.

A book to dip into
Excellent condition, quick delivery. Full marks. A useful, brief canter through the field of Greek philosophy and an excellent presentation of the thoughts of Marcus Aurelius.