Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
How to think clearly, act purposefully, overcome any obstacle, and find peace & happiness along the way. Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE) was one of the few true philosopher-kings in history.His father died when Marcus was three. At age fifteen, he was adopted by Emperor Antoninus Pius, putting him in the line of succession; and at forty, Marcus became a reluctant emperor of the Roman Empire. Marcus was reluctant because the demands of being emperor--on top of the temptations of wealth and power--seemed incompatible with his true ambition: to be a humble student of philosophy. Over time, though, Marcus worked out a practical philosophy that kept him grounded amidst the stresses and excesses of palace life. That's why his philosophy is so relevant to us today, in the modern world. The Meditations are Marcus' personal journal entries. They were not intended for publication, but to remind Marcus himself of his principles and priorities. As a result, they are intimate, direct, and extremely useful. This new edition is rendered in contemporary English, with a foreword, by Sam Torode. A companion volume, The Manual: A Philosopher's Guide to Life, is also available from Ancient Renewal.
Synopsis
Note from the author: The price of this book has been reduced by $2.00 in support of social distancing and quarantine. Stay safe, be well, and keep reading How to think clearly, act purposefully, overcome obstacles, and find peace & happiness along the way.
Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE) was one of the few true philosopher-kings in history.
His father died when Marcus was three. At age fifteen, he was adopted by his aunt's husband, the future Emperor Antoninus Pius, putting him in the line of succession. At forty, he became a reluctant emperor of the Roman Empire.
Marcus was conflicted because the demands of being emperor--on top of the temptations of wealth and power--seemed incompatible with his true ambition: to be a humble student of philosophy.
Over time, though, he worked out a practical philosophy that kept him grounded amidst the stresses and excesses of palace life. That's why his philosophy is so relevant to us today, in the modern world.
How did he fare as emperor? During his twenty years of service, Marcus earned the love of the people and the loyalty of the senate. Later historians called him "the last of the five good emperors."
In spare moments, Marcus wrote the journal entries collected in The Meditations. They were not intended for publication, but to remind Marcus himself of his principles and priorities. As a result, they are intimate, direct, and extremely useful.
This new edition of The Meditations is an interpretive paraphrase in contemporary English, with a foreword, by bestselling author Sam Torode. A companion volume, The Manual: A Philosopher's Guide to Life, is also available from Ancient Renewal.
The Kindle e-book is FREE with purchase of the paperback, through Amazon Matchbook.
Synopsis
ON SALE NOW THROUGH THANKSGIVING How to think clearly, act purposefully, overcome obstacles, and find peace & happiness along the way.
Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE) was one of the few true philosopher-kings in history.
His father died when Marcus was three. At age fifteen, he was adopted by his aunt's husband, the future Emperor Antoninus Pius, putting him in the line of succession. At forty, he became a reluctant emperor of the Roman Empire.
Marcus was conflicted because the demands of being emperor--on top of the temptations of wealth and power--seemed incompatible with his true ambition: to be a humble student of philosophy.
Over time, though, he worked out a practical philosophy that kept him grounded amidst the stresses and excesses of palace life. That's why his philosophy is so relevant to us today, in the modern world.
How did he fare as emperor? During his twenty years of service, Marcus earned the love of the people and the loyalty of the senate. Later historians called him "the last of the five good emperors."
In spare moments, Marcus wrote the journal entries collected in The Meditations. They were not intended for publication, but to remind Marcus himself of his principles and priorities. As a result, they are intimate, direct, and extremely useful.
This new edition of The Meditations is an interpretive paraphrase in contemporary English, with a foreword, by bestselling author Sam Torode. (It is based on the 1862 translation by George Long.) A companion volume, The Manual: A Philosopher's Guide to Life, is also available from Ancient Renewal.