I decided I had better reread the philosopher-emperor and I happened on this at the local library. No other life is more appropriate for the practice of philosophy than that life which you now happen to be living. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. I gave it 3 stars the first time, but now I have a better understanding of Stoicism and the ability to apply its concepts, so I can see that it deserves 5. Pick it up flip to a random page and let the universe tell you the message you need to hear. “If something is difficult for you to accomplish, do not then think it impossible for any human being; rather, if it is humanly possible and corresponds to human nature, know that it is attainable by you as well.”, “What an abundance of leisure the person gains who is not looking over at what his neighbor is saying, doing, or thinking, but only at what he himself is doing, in order that he does what is just and respectful of the gods. There are so many morsels of wisdom and knowledge in here that it is just too much for one sitting. Welcome back. Have you been the object of adoration, but also of hatred? Editor's Picks: Science Fiction & Fantasy, An Intelligent Person’s Guide to Philosophy, Division III of Heidegger’s Being and Time, A Philosophical Enquiry into the Sublime and Beautiful, Basic Teachings of the Great Philosophers, Discover Book Picks from the CEO of Penguin Random House US. Bought a hardcover version of this years ago and read it before I had experienced enough ups and downs to appreciate it. Has the market devastated your 401(k)? Perhaps the central message from Aurelius is that we are all part of the human experience and for such a short time. I gave it 3 stars the first time, but now I have a better understanding of Stoicism and the ability to apply its concepts, so I can see that it deserves 5. This edition seems well executed in translation, readability, and introductory context. Aurelius is widely regarded as the greatest Stoic philosopher, and I'd say he deserves that title, because he really guides you in how to handle stressful situations like he had as an emperor. To feel pleasure? Be the first to ask a question about The Essential Marcus Aurelius. Do not allow yourself to be hindered by the harmful actions, judgments, or the words of another, or by the sensations of the flesh which has formed itself around you. Not a full translation, and not a favorite compared to other translations. Even though the book did not tell me anything I had not read about before, I still appreciated the gentle reminder of how important it is to be human and stay focused on improving ones soul. This is one of the best self-help books I've read. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. | ISBN 9781101216118 Wow - think that i will need to read this a few more times - so powerful. The late antique world possessed no voice like that of Roman emperor. It is fil. The late antique world possessed no voice like that of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE). I think in The Sparrow one gets a little of the life of trials and tribulations of the philosopher in a couple of the characters. His two decades as emperor were marked by near continual warfare. By clicking Sign Up, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Penguin Random House's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. There were a lot of others that weren't so inspiring. Buy. It could be finished in a day. Marcus Aurelius (among others), is quoted extensively in both The Sparrow and Children of God by Mary Doria Russell. Need another excuse to treat yourself to a new book this week? Jan 10, 2008 There are no discussion topics on this book yet. We've got you covered with the buzziest new releases of the day. All Quotes I didn't rush through the book. There were several ideas that made me stop and think, or that I made note of as worth coming back to. The late antique world possessed no voice like that of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE). It is like having access to the private thoughts of a Roman Emperor. They have carefully selected and faithfully rendered those passages that clarify Marcus’s role as someone who stood within the great religious and ethical traditions that extend throughout every culture in human history. This is my second time reading this. Quotes By Marcus Aurelius. He spoke so well about it that I decided I wanted to read it. Ina Garten's Latest Cozy and Delicious Recipes, Read the Book Behind the Showtime Limited Series, Discover the Prologue to Jodi Picoult's Poignant New Novel, Audiobooks Read By Your Favorite Celebrities, Chilling Audiobooks for a Haunting Halloween. Anyway: good lessons in here, some Oprah-style short. Error rating book. The age of the writing is old, so it can be a bit difficult to read in some instances, but not impossible and well worth it. It was by far the best reading of the quarter. His two decades as … There were a lot of others that weren't so inspiring. The introduction gives a history of the Stoic philosophy and a history of Marcus Aurelius. Marcus Aurelius wrote these thoughts for himself, but his meditations remain insightful and helpful centuries later. Strongly recommend this modern-day translation of Meditations. He spoke so well about it that I decided I wanted to read it. Aurelius also discusses a lot about death. It was an interesting read and reminded me of other books like Seat of the Soul and Buddhist principles. The four stars come from the content, which is Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius' meditations on life -- in fact, the title of this book is usually "Meditations." So if you are suffering you have the ability to take the value away from that occurrence and end the suffering. Marcus Aurelius' vivacity, wisdom and wit is every bit as relevant today as when he wrote this nearly two millennium ago. As this is not a book written for an audience, it can get repetitive as with all the diary-style books (or maybe I am just an impatient reader). Even though the book did not tell me anything I had not read about before, I still appreciated the gentle reminder of how important it is to be human and stay focused on improving ones soul. But the person who has Intelligence understands the good to be in his own actions.”, “Turn your attention within, for the fountain of all that is good lies within, and it is always ready to pour forth, if you continually delve in.”, “Each thing has come into existence for a specific purpose, like a horse or a grapevine. ", You know how it is when a musician who only had an album or two of material starts to look less impressive than otherwise when one has an essential greatest hits collection that makes a sketchy career look even sketchier? Even the sun would say: “I exist for a purpose,” and also the other gods.18 What, then, is your purpose? A very readable new translation and excellent selection of Marcus Aurelius's writings. Depressing and repetitive, but useful and practical. As for the meditations themselves, I remembered them being more thought provoking. This edition seems well executed in translation, readability, and introductory context. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, “If something is difficult for you to accomplish, do not then think it impossible for any human being; rather, if it is humanly possible and corresponds to human nature, know that it is attainable by you as well.”, “What an abundance of leisure the person gains who is not looking over at what his neighbor is saying, doing, or thinking, but only at what he himself is doing, in order that he does what is just and respectful of the gods. He is the author of many bestselling books, including,… More about Jacob Needleman, Sign up for news about books, authors, and more from Penguin Random House, Visit other sites in the Penguin Random House Network. My next step is to do a little research abut this man to learn more about the author. For it is not attracted toward one kind of material thing or event but adapts itself to all internal and external limitations, whether those limitations are due to ability or fate. Here are some of my favorite quotes, Marcus Aurelius (among others), is quoted extensively in both The Sparrow and Children of God by Mary Doria Russell. They've stood the test of time. That is, if you can let go of the past, entrust the future to Providence and redirect the present according to justice and the sacred. Ever lose a loved one? However, I suggest taking your time with this. About The Essential Marcus Aurelius. Accessible to anyone, and I mean absolutely anyone. [Marcus Aurelius, Emperor of Rome; Jacob Needleman; John P Piazza] -- The late antique world possessed no voice like that of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (A.D. 121-180). Aurelius certainly was an interesting character: truly a philosopher king. As Agathon4 said, do not peer into the darkness of another’s character, but run straight toward the finish line without straying from your path.”. I've recently been semi-randomly stumbling upon the philosophy of Stoicism, and so decided to check out Marcus Aurelius', I heard about this title after listening to Jim Mattis discuss how he was influenced by the book on the show Sunday morning. But a blazing fire quickly assimilates to itself whatever is cast upon it, engulfing it as fuel and rising even higher because of it.”, “The goal that you hope you will one day arrive at after a long and roundabout journey you are able to possess right now, if only you do not deny it to yourself. We need to interact with others and better ourselves, yet the converse is more common.